NEW artwork has been installed in the dementia ward at Fairfield Hospital to make it more suitable for those suffering from the condition.

The photographs of local landmarks such as Holcombe Hill and the statue of Sir Robert Peel in Bury town centre have been produced in partnership between local photographer Chris Foster, arts charity Lime Arts in Health, and Pennine Acute Hospitals Trust, which runs Fairfield.

The artwork is part of the improvements being made at the hospital which are designed to make it more dementia-friendly.

Research shows that the environment in which people suffering with dementia live in can have a positive impact on their health, reducing the risk of falls, aggressive behaviour and affecting staff morale.

Other wards which have benefited from the installation of artwork include wards J5 and I5 at North Manchester General.

Rob Vale, the trust's arts project manager, said: "Each ward was looked at separately in terms of what imagery might best work to improve it.

"In some cases we looked to generate photographs of local architecture — spaces that have remained the same for some time.

"These form recognisable features and talking points. We incorporated maps of the area as points of discussion as well.

"In other spaces, Chris would talk to staff about beautiful spaces, of places that they and patients wanted represented, bringing the beauty of this region into the hospital spaces."

In addition, a new specialised 23-bed ward to care for people suffering from dementia was opened at Fairfield last year.

Sister Judith Maden, ward manager, said: "The environment in which we care for patients with dementia can make a huge difference and we have invested resources with the aim of making the ward less alienating for people with cognitive problems.

"The artwork used has been focussed on local landmarks and scenery such as Holcombe Hill the famous Sir Robert Peel statue and it is perceived that patients will recognise and relate to the images that have been used."

The project was made possible through Government funding secured by the trust.