NHS Highland, in partnership with the Highland Health Board Charity is delighted to announce the reopening, after a period of renovation, of our Dementia Care Unit (also known as Ruthven Ward) at New Craigs Hospital in Inverness.
This much-anticipated development at New Craigs is a significant milestone in delivering modern, compassionate and effective dementia care in the Highlands. With support from the Highland Health Board Charity (SC016791) which contributed £350,000 to deliver an enhanced design, this newly transformed space is designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with dementia, aligning with best practices for dementia-friendly inpatient care.
The unit’s renovation has been a collaborative effort between NHS Highland and the charity, dedicated to creating an advanced facility that meets the specific challenges faced by dementia patients, particularly those experiencing complex symptoms of stress and distress. The project exemplifies a shared commitment to fostering an environment that is safe, calming, and conducive to positive patient interactions.
Architects Oberlanders worked closely with the NHS Highland team to deliver an environment that incorporates cutting-edge advances in dementia care design. Through this collaboration, the Ruthven Ward now offers a carefully crafted space that reduces stress for patients and their families while supporting the healthcare team who deliver care. The design is both welcoming and functional, encouraging calm interactions and minimising common sources of patient anxiety.
Fiona Davies, Chief Executive of NHS Highland, expressed her pride in the newly unveiled facility. She said: “The unit is a transformative space that represents our commitment to compassionate, patient-centred care. This facility not only improves the environment for our patients but also provides crucial support for our dedicated staff, enabling them to deliver the highest standard of care. With the Highland Health Board Charity’s invaluable support, we are ensuring that our hospital environment is at the forefront of dementia care.”
A key feature of the project is its partnership with the Dementia Services Development Centre at the University of Stirling, a recognised leader in dementia research. Their insights and guidance have been instrumental in developing an inpatient space that supports and engages patients while enhancing therapeutic outcomes. Design improvements include calming communal areas, specialised lighting, colour schemes, and safe, accessible outdoor spaces - all crafted to reduce patient anxiety and promote wellbeing.
Philip MacRae, Chair of the Endowment Funds Committee and Non-Executive Board member of NHS Highland, highlighted the power of partnerships in achieving this milestone. He said: “The reopening of the unit demonstrates what is possible when healthcare and community resources come together for a shared vision. With support from the Highland Health Board Charity, we are creating a dementia care setting that goes beyond physical health, enhancing patients' quality of life through meaningful engagement and a comforting environment.”
Research into similar dementia-focused projects has shown that environmental changes can lead to substantial benefits, particularly with easing symptoms of distress. The ward’s redesign features communal areas that encourage social interaction, which research indicates can significantly reduce feelings of isolation and anxiety among patients. Improved lighting, soundproofing, and clear navigation aids also contribute to a welcoming atmosphere, making patients feel more at home during their stay.
The ward is designed with the wellbeing of staff in mind, aiming to improve staff retention and job satisfaction by providing a more supportive working environment, contributing to an environment that attracts and retains top talent in dementia care.
The refurbished facility stands as a testament to the dedication to innovative healthcare and is poised to make a lasting difference in the lives of patients, families and caregivers across the Highlands.