Knitted forget-me-not frames have been custom made for wards and departments at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital in Shropshire to demonstrate the trust’s dementia-friendly approach.

The custom-made floral frames were created by Dawn Pugh, a bone density scan (DXA) technologist at the hospital; her niece, Kimberley Coldwell; and members of the local knitting group ‘The Stick Chicks’.

Initially frames have been given to patient-facing areas in radiology, the outpatients department, Sheldon Ward – the hospital’s medical rehabilitation ward, and the Bone Density Scanning (DXA) department. 

However, there are plans for more to be made for other areas across the site.Pugh said: “Dementia awareness is something I’m passionate about. 

“I did so many dementia courses and learnt so much during lockdown due to me having to shield. 

“In bone density, we see so many patients with dementia and I want to make sure that when they’re with us that they and their family members know that we understand their needs. 

“I want these frames to serve as a visual symbol of that.“Forget-me-nots represent remembrance and have been long-associated with dementia, which is why the group chose this particular design.”The frames also have wording above the knitted flowers, including ‘Dementia Friendly Trust’ and ‘Remembering Together’.

Ian MacLennan, assistant chief nurse in the MSK Delivery Unit, said: “Not only are the frames absolutely beautiful, but they’re also going to serve as a really excellent visual reminder that this is a dementia-friendly hospital.”