A beige hospital corridor has been transformed by an array of colourful images and montages in a project aimed at sparking memories for patients living with dementia.
The new Memory Walk at the James Paget University Hospital features images of items from yesteryear, colourful adverts from the 1950s, 60s and 70s as well as photographs of Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth from days gone by.
The images have been printed on a special wallpaper which has been hung on panels between the windows along the corridor leading to Ward 12, where care is provided for older patients.
Photographs featured in the walk were donated by the Eastern Daily Press, while the History of Advertising Trust provided the advertisement images for the project.
The creation of the walk was funded by a legacy left to the hospital by the late Winifred and Arnold Everson, whose family hoped that the bequest could be used to help patients with dementia.
James Paget Chief Executive Christine Allen officially opened the Memory Walk, with invited guests given the opportunity to view the 50-plus panels along the corridor.
“I am delighted to open the Memory Walk, which has been a real collaborative effort – and I would like to thank the EDP, the History of Advertising Trust and the family of Winifred and Arnold Everson for helping us to make this happen.
“Together, we’ve transformed blank sections of hospital wall into something colourful and bright for our patients – and I hope it sparks many happy memories for them.”
Hospital dementia care lead Ali Thayne said the walk would help provide patients with ‘reminiscence therapy’ which has had positive results in dementia care.
“Because the walk features local scenery, as well as colourful images and familiar objects from the past, it can transport patients – as well as visitors – back to a place or time that they know, and facilitate the reminiscing process.
"We hope it will bring joyful memories to many patients and visitors.”
Eastern Daily Press Coastal Editor Andrew Fitchett added: “We were delighted to be able to contribute to the project, and it’s fantastic to see our images put to such wonderful use. We see every day how powerful pictures can be, and hopefully these ones will bring back some fond memories for patients.”