Dementia unit officially opened

Staff from the Oasis Unit with MP Simon Danczuk and Councillor Linda Robinson

The Oasis Unit, a new unit which will support the care of dementia patients at Rochdale Infirmary officially opened today (Friday 4 April) with special guest invited to take a look around the new facilities.

Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk was amongst those special guests along with councillors Jean Hornby and Linda Robinson.

The unit will offer acute medical patients with dementia and confusion who present, or who are referred to the Infirmary, with a safe and suitable purpose-built environment to support recovery and access to nursing and mental health staff.

The unit is the first of its kind to be opened in the country and it is hoped that other hospitals follow Rochdale’s lead with similar units.

Rochdale MP, Simon Danczuk said: “I am delighted to be here today. I didn’t know what to expect when I arrived here but having had a look at the facilities, it looks great. This really is a partnership between everyone at Pennine Acute, Pennine Care and the council. I would also like to say that on behalf of the people of Rochdale, thank you to the staff because trust me, your work is very much appreciated.”

Dr Shona McCallum, Consultant and Clinical lead at Rochdale Infirmary who will be leading the unit, said: “It is fantastic news for our staff, Rochdale Infirmary, our partners and, importantly, our patients and carers. I believe that the Oasis is the start of a change in how we as the NHS, working in partnership with the community deliver care to this group, a change we can build upon in the future.”

Dr Lynn Hampson Clinical lead for Urgent Care at NHS HMR CCG said: “This journey started a long time ago now and the new unit really shows that we are going from strength to strength. I think this unit is really going to put Rochdale on the map for all of the right reasons.”

The unit will be able to house up to five patients at a time and includes kitchen facilities, a relaxing lounge area and a dining area.

Gillian Fairfield, CEO of Pennine Acute said: “I am really proud to be here today. The unit is fantastic. I know how difficult it is to care for someone and I can see how great these facilities will be to the people of Rochdale who need that help.”

Sister Rhiannon Lloyd, who will be working on the unit, said: “I am very excited about it. I think all of the staff are very excited about it. The unit is the first of its kind so I think its going to show the Infirmary in a positive light.”

Clinical Matron for the unit, Louisa Harkness Hudson added: “I am relieved that it is finally opening. It has taken about two years all together but the last seven months have seen the harder side of things. The whole process of getting the unit together has been great. I think it is going to be great for Rochdale. It’s all a step in the right direction.”

The unit is situated alongside the Clinical Assessment Unit (CAU) at the Infirmary.