Over 100 twiddle mitts knitted for patients with dementia
Thanks to help from people in the local community, over 100 twiddle mitts have been knitted so far for patients with dementia at King's
Twiddle mitts are simple knitted cuffs, to which a range of items, including ribbons, buttons or beads, can be sewn to provide activity for patients with dementia.
To help raise awareness of the initiative being led by the falls and dementia teams at King’s, and to get as many mitts knitted in one day as possible, a knit-in was held on Friday 27 January. The event went really well with members of the public, patients and staff coming along to take part and knit a mitt. Those unable to knit helped out by sewing items to completed mitts and many people donated materials for the event.
Loretta Anthony, a Falls Clinical Nurse Specialist, said: “It’s really great that so many people are getting involved and knitting for our patients with dementia. The knit-in event was an opportunity for people to come together and knit for a great cause. We’re grateful to everyone who took part and to all those who have sent mitts in.”
Dawn Kalu, who attended the knit-in, said: “It was a chance to meet with strangers for a purpose. Rather like quilting bees of the past, the event had an aim but was also a welcome break from outside stresses for the knitters.”
Twiddle mitts are easy to knit and can be made with leftover bits of wool. A twiddle mitt pattern can be found here.
For infection control reasons each mitt can only be used by one patient, so the teams really need as many as possible.
Twiddle mitts can be sent to:
The Falls Team
Unit 1
KCH Business Park
129 Coldharbour Lane
London, SE5 9NY
Or
The Falls Team
Executive Nursing Office
The PRUH
Farnborough Common
Kent, BR6 8ND
Alternatively mitts can be taken to any of the helpdesks for the attention of the Falls Team.
For further information please contact:
Molly DowningCommunications Assistant
molly.downing@nhs.net
Extension: +44 (0)20 3299 3257
Notes to editors
1. King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK’s largest and busiest teaching hospitals, training over 900 dentists, 750 doctors and 300 nurses every year. The Trust is recognized internationally for its work in liver disease and transplantation, neurosciences, cardiac, haemato-oncology, stroke and major trauma. On 1 October 2013, King’s took over the running of the Princess Royal University Hospital in Bromley and Orpington Hospital, as well as some services at Beckenham Beacon and Queen Mary’s Hospital, Sidcup. The new enlarged organisation has over 10,500 staff and provides over 1 million patient contacts a year. 9,000 babies are delivered by our hospitals each year, and over 750 patients come to our Emergency Departments every day. For more information, please visit the website. You can also support the work of King’s College Hospital at www.togetherwecan.org.uk
2. King’s Health Partners Academic Health Sciences Centre (AHSC) is a pioneering collaboration between King’s College London, and Guy’s and St Thomas’, King’s College Hospital and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trusts.
King’s Health Partners is one of only six Department of Health-designated AHSCs in England and brings together an unrivalled range and depth of clinical and research expertise, spanning both physical and mental health. Our combined strengths will drive improvements in care for patients, allowing them to benefit from breakthroughs in medical science and receive leading edge treatment at the earliest possible opportunity.
Our partnership brings together...
- three of the UK’s leading NHS Foundation Trusts;
- one of the top 30 universities in the world;
- services provided over 225 locations, including seven hospitals and community and mental health centres;
- 2.2 million patient contacts each year;
- 31,000 staff;
- 25,000 students;
- a combined annual turnover of £2.8bn.
... to advance health and wellbeing by integrating world-class research, care and teaching.
3. At King’s College Hospital we fundraise for the best in treatment, research and health education, leading-edge equipment and improving well-being in our communities. By uniting doctors, nurses, researchers and academics with our supporters and volunteers we can provide the best patient care that goes above and beyond. Find out more and support us at togetherwecan.org.uk