By Elena Chiujdea

Dementia and end of life patients can receive holistic treatment.

The Medway Maritime Hospital opened the Namaste Care Room on the Tennyson Ward on Monday (May 19).

The hospital’s Namaste Care Practitioner, Emily Brown, will offer patients holistic treatments after a referral from nursing staff.

Speaking to Kent Online, Emily said: “Helping people living with dementia or at the end of their lives is my passion so offering this kind of care is extremely important to me because these people still have lives, family, passions and dreams.

“To be in a job where I can ease someone’s worry about their hospital stay and help them to feel safe, or help someone to have a good death, or support family members to understand what they can do to help their loved one, is a real honour.

“I’m extremely grateful to the Medway Hospital Charity for supporting my vision to provide a calm environment where patients can relax, have a cup of tea, enjoy lunch and have a Namaste care session in a home away from home setting.”

Emily was a carer for 13 years before she started working with the hospital and in 2023, she was appointed as the UK’s first Namaste Care Practitioner.

‘Being in hospital can be a distressing time for anyone, but for those living with dementia, it can often be more stressful...’

The room includes framed artwork, a water fountain, a blue sofa, humidifier and star projector. Patients have dedicated spaces they can store their belongings and a dining area.

A record player with a built-in radio was also donated by a member of staff who works on the ward.

The Medway Hospital Charity invested £800 for the furnishings of the care room.

Donna Law, Head of The Medway Hospital Charity, said: “We were delighted to fund items for the new Namaste Care Room. Being in hospital can be a distressing time for anyone, but for those living with dementia, it can often be more stressful.

“To create a safe space that feels like a home is really impactful. Our patients now have access to familiar surroundings, and we hope this welcoming space brings them comfort while they are in hospital.”

Medway Hospital was the first in the UK to introduce a Namaste care service after Emily Brown and the End of Life Care Team instigated a pilot initiative in 2020.

Emily said: “My plan is to create more Namaste care rooms on other wards, but I chose Tennyson Ward to host the first one as it holds a special place in my heart because that's where the service started and the staff there continue to support me.”

The holistic namaste treatment focuses on keeping patients calm in a set environment and can include playing music, giving patients their favourite drink, a hand massage or putting on their favourite perfume.

Sarah Vaux, the Interim Chief Nursing Officer for Medway’s NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Our clinical staff ensure those who are living with dementia or receiving end of life care, get the very best care, but Emily’s work helps us go one step further when providing quality of life until the end of life for those who are sadly dying.