A dementia-friendly emergency zone has been unveiled in Accident and Emergency at Croydon University Hospital, to mark Dementia Awareness week.

Croydon Health Services NHT Trust has transformed five cubicles in Accident and Emergency to provide a dementia friendly environment.

The area is painted blue with a distinctive design and has different coloured curtains, large clocks and an information board in each cubicle.

Dementia-friendly signs to help people find their way around and recognise where they are have been fitted and practical changes, such as contrasting colours to reduce falls have also been made.

Chief executive John Goulston said: "This is a great example of what LiA is designed to achieve – listen to staff and patients and improve services for our patients.

"We are committed to consistency, compassion and good communication in everything we do, so that every patient knows wherever they are treated will receive the best possible care.

"The changes we are making and planning throughout the hospital will create an environment which supports people with dementia and their families and carers."

A trust-wide training and development programme has been set up to ensure all staff are trained in dementia by the end of next year.

At present, 60 percent of staff have already received dementia training within Accident and Emergency.

The department has also recruited 13 staff 'dementia champions' who are receiving extra training and support, including nurses, receptions and volunteers.

Dementia lead, Dr Selina Lim, said: "We are working closely with all departments to fast track dementia patients to a ward or ideally home as soon as possible.

"The changes in A&E are just one way we can help improve the patient experience for people with dementia and their carers."