Patients living with dementia will now have a better eating experience whilst under the care of Stepping Hill Hospital thanks to new plates and bowls courtesy of Stockport NHS Charity.

The hospital’s catering team have introduced the new blue crockery for inpatients in wards across the hospital, following a donation from the charity.

Many people living with dementia experience difficulties with their sight and perception, which means they can misinterpret their surroundings.

Research has shown switching from white to blue plates and bowls help patients living with dementia improve their eating, as the blue rim of the plate contrasts with the food, making it easier to see.

This, in turn, helps them with their nutritional intake. A study from the University of Stirling found that people living with dementia ate half a pound more food per day when served on blue plates.

Stockport NHS Foundation Trust Support Services Manager (Catering) Erica Bell said “We are very proud in the catering team to play our part in making the improving the experience of patients at the hospital. We’d like to say a big thank you to Stockport NHS Charity and everyone who donates to it for helping make this possible.”

Funding for the new crockery was organised through Stockport NHS Charity, which helps to improve the health and wellbeing of patients by in Stepping Hill Hospital and community NHS services by delivering services above and beyond ordinary standards. 

If you’d like to donate to the charity, visit the web page here.