Clinic for dementia sufferers shows friendlier face after £50,000 revamp

Patients, carers and members of the public are being invited to the reopening of Hull Memory Clinic on January 31.

The clinic, on Coltman Street, which is run by Humber NHS Foundation Trust, treats people who have memory problems and dementia.

The project to "transform the healing environment" was awarded 30,000 by the King's Fund, with the trust contributing

10,000 and another 9,000 so far being raised by volunteers and staff.

Dr Emma Wolverson, who is leading the project, said: "The space was very dark and gloomy.

"The reception area was extremely unfriendly and there was nothing for carers and friends, who often bring patients to appointments, to do while they were waiting.

"Now the reception area has been opened out, there's comfortable seating and we've also got a computer that visitors can use, a television for teaching and training as well as entertainment, access to drinks and beautiful glass artwork."

A key part of the new space is an art gallery, with the first exhibition planned on the theme of "happy memories."

The clinic will be open from 1pm to 4.30pm on the day, with the opening ceremony performed by Lord Mayor of Hull Coun David Gemmell at 1.30pm. Peter Ashley, an ambassador from the Alzheimer's Society, who has a form of dementia himself, will be speaking and there will be stalls, tea, coffee, cakes and a tombola.

Music will be provided by pianist John Murray.