Shared laughter. Friendly conversations. More time spent out of rooms and less time alone.
Staff on inaptient Ward 6C at the Bendigo Hospital say the environment has changed. There is more interaction, movement and, most notably, more joy.
Since January, Lifestyle Coordinator Ben Sam has been supporting patients on the ward, adding daily activities, the chance for casual conversations and one-on-one time to their days.
Ben’s role has focused on creating a welcoming and inclusive space where patients can take part in activities, spend time with others or simply enjoy a change of environment.
Each day, Ben invites patients to take part in activities such as crafts and games aimed at encouraging conversation and incorporating gentle movement to break up the day.
“Many patients really enjoy having something to look forward to during the day. Even simple activities or just having a chat can make a big difference to how engaged and settled they feel,” Ben said.
“Normally you walk onto a ward and patients are very quiet and not really engaging. Now you walk up here and you see smiles on their faces.”
Ward 6C Nurse Unit Manager, Graeme McConachy, said keeping patients active during the day is helping.
“We have patients who are here for weeks or months waiting for the next step, and that can increase frustration and cognitive decline, especially for patients with dementia,” he said.
“Behaviors can be difficult to manage, particularly in the afternoons, so keeping patients engaged during the day really helps."
Behaviour Liaison Nurse Kath Walsh said the positive changes Ben has bought to the ward have been obvious.
“You can really tell the difference. It’s a bit lighter. There’s more joy,” she said.
She said it is now common to walk into the space and hear someone singing, or see patients sitting together and talking, something not often seen in a busy acute ward.
Patient Jennifer Hay, who has been on the ward for two weeks, recently bought craft supplies after planning an activity with Ben and the group.
“He comes in here and he's got an energy and he's always positive, always happy and makes people feel like everyone is welcome here,” Jennifer said.
“He's fantastic.”
Alongside the daily activities, Ben also checks in individually with patients. These conversations can highlight concerns such as poor sleep or pain, which he relays to nursing staff. By bringing more structure and variety into the day, the team hopes to reduce agitation, support better sleep and improve overall patient experience.
Kath said Ben’s support has also helped ease pressure on nursing staff.
If a patient becomes overwhelmed, Ben will walk with them or help settle them, which is really helpful for staff,” she said.
Having someone who can step in during those moments allows nurses to continue with clinical care, knowing the patient is being supported, Kath said.
For Ben, the role has been meaningful.
“There were times earlier in my career where I wondered where I belonged. Now I don’t want to be anywhere else,” he said.
Graeme said the ward has benefited from the appointment.
“He is the perfect person for the job. We were lucky to get someone with that enthusiasm,” he said.
The role is being trialed as part of the Safer Care Victoria Improving Care for Older People at Risk of Delirium (ICORD) project. The team is gathering feedback and developing a case study to assess the impact and consider next steps.
On Ward 6C, these small daily moments help make the ward a calmer, more positive place for patients.