Staff Nurse Emma Probitts from ward 19 is looking for keen knitters to join the craze known as Twiddlemuffs – and our knitting pattern should help.

Twiddlemuffs are sensory bands. They are knitted woollen muffs with items such as ribbons, large buttons or textured fabrics attached that patients with dementia can twiddle in their hands whilst on the wards. People with dementia often have restless hands and like something to keep them occupied. They provide a source of visual, tactile and sensory stimulation at the same time as keeping hands snug and warm.

We’ve already had some Twiddlemuffs donated but we're looking for more people to get involved as Dementia Awareness Week starts next Monday. This week we want to tell you about Administration Assistant Anna Slee’s mum who has been knitting them to help support patients with dementia.

“My dad had dementia so it’s a subject close to our hearts” said Anna. “I know that mum wanted to give something back to the hospital and this is something she’s so good at. She already knits for SCBU and the mortuary, so she’s kept really busy!”

Ward 19’s Emma, who is also the Service Improvement Lead for The PERFECTED project (Peri-operative Enhanced Recovery hip FracturE Care of paTiEnts with Dementia) said: “Twiddlemuffs can cost around £50 to buy on the internet, so having these donated makes a massive difference to our patients with dementia without added cost to the Trust”.

“As part of my PERFECTED work I link in with Nottingham University Hospital. We share ideas and information, and they shared the pattern with me”.

If you want to get involved, see the knitting pattern attached and please contact Emma Probitts on 01484 355948 or email emma.probitts@cht.nhs.uk 

Dementia awareness talk - Monday 23 May at HRI

The Alzheimer’s Society will be running an hour-long dementia friends session on Monday 23 May at 2pm in Meeting Room 2 at HRI.

The session is open to anyone to attend (it's not organised by CHFT) - please just come along - no need to book.