Nurses are being asked to find out about the hobbies and work history of patients at Dudley’s main hospital to help improve treatment.

Patients or their relatives are being asked to fill out a questionnaire which will cover everything from how much sugar they take in their tea, to their mobility, work history and diet dos and don’ts.

Bosses at Russells Hall Hospital hope the project put forward by nurses will help improve communication with patients who may have difficulties such as confusion, dementia, learning difficulties and sensory deficits.

The questionnaire, known as the Take the Time Tool, is being trialed on ward C3 over the next six months, but if it proves a success it could be rolled out across the hospital.

The idea behind the project, believed to be the only one of its kind in an acute hospital in the Black Country, is that staff will be better placed to meet the needs of patients by learning more about them.

Clinical nurse specialist for older people Mandy Dyche helped design the questionnaire along with a team of staff nurses and occupational therapists after staff noticed some patients were having difficulty in communicating their needs.

Mrs Dyche said the questionnaire, which covers all activities of patients’ daily living, as well as their hobbies and interests, would be offered to anyone who may have problems communicating.

It will then be available at the end of the patient’s bed so anyone involved in their care can refer to it.

She said: “We think that this will help us provide individualised care by getting to know patients as people as well.

“So far, the reaction has been really good and people seem quite keen to get involved,” she added.

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