Waterside Hospital gets onboard the Brain Bus!

The Fold Brain Bus which has been developed for people diagnosed with Dementia in Northern Ireland was parked outside the hospital to give locals the opportunity to come onboard and see for themselves the service it offers.

The bus, which is believed to be the first of its kind in Europe, contains leading-edge technology that helps to engage people with dementia through cognitive and physical exercises, which can help to reduce depression, agitation and stress levels.

With its distinctive pink and purple exterior, the mobile unit spent the day raising awareness of dementia and dementia-related issues in the local community.

According to Fiona McAnespie, Director of Care Services, Fold Housing Association: “With over 19,000 people across the province affected by dementia and numbers expected to rise, our aim in bringing the Brain Bus to Derry/Londonderry is to demonstrate how technology can make a real difference to people with dementia – to help them maintain their independence and give them more choice and control over their lives” Judy Houlahan, Head of Secondary Care at the Western Trust, who is based at the Waterside Hospital added: “The arrival of the Brain Bus is all about raising awareness of dementia and the support available for those who live with the condition, as well as their carers and families. It is a great opportunity for us to promote the pioneering work that‘s been happening within the Trust’s older people‘s services and the community and voluntary sector recently as it makes such a difference to the quality of life of people with dementia. I hope that projects such as this continue to have a positive impact on dementia care and that more and more people benefit from them. We are developing and improving care for people with dementia all the time and I look forward to even more innovations being developed in the future."

Having got on board the bus, Mayor of Londonderry Colum Eastwood also commented: “I believe the Brain Bus visit to the city will greatly assist in raising awareness of dementia and the efforts that are ongoing to help people suffering from it, their family, friends and carers. Derry City Council fully supports the work being done by the Fold Housing Association to embrace new technology and help improve the lives of people.”

His views were echoed by Mary Hamilton, the UUP councillor, who said: “I visited the Brain Bus and really wished I could have stayed on longer but I had another engagement. This is quite a wonderful idea and I’d like to see it in all nursing homes, as it would be great therapy.”