With an ever-growing elderly population, our hospitals are having to increase their capacity to meet demand. Most elderly patients are treated in the Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI) on the general medicine wards, unless they have more complex needs.

Recently, the BRI transformation was supported by our Golden Gift Appeal, with a focus on caring for older patients, including end of life care. A number of initiatives were put in place to bring care to the patient’s bedside and to improve their treatment and comfort. Individual rooms have enabled patients to rest and sleep better, particularly important for older patients with dementia who can find hospitals confusing and distressing.

The rooms enhance the care of patients with dementia; scores for being a dementia-friendly ward are now much higher than average – 90% vs. 70%. They also provide a private space during end of life care, so families can be at ease with their loved one at a highly emotional and stressful time.

Your gifts help us continue to support our elderly patients

Please help us continue to upgrade our hospital environment and facilities fit for the 21st century and to keep up with the ever-increasing demand.

Our hospitals currently need activity boxes, iPads, and reminiscence books for older patients to combat isolation and loneliness, as the length and quality of their hospital stay are critical to their recovery. The more engaged and active a patient can remain, the higher the chances of a faster recovery and discharge from hospital. This means they can return to their familiar environment and independent living with minimal disruption.

Your support will continue to make a real difference to elderly patients, their families, and the staff who care for them. Thank you.

Please donate here, find out more about fundraising or leave a gift in your will.