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Tin hats and stone hot water bottles

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Royal Orthopaedic Hospital nurses Sophie Gibson, left, and Helen Sargeant met with Joy to hear her memories

Sutton Coldfield resident, 101, recounts war-time nursing memories

A Sutton Coldfield centenarian care home resident has inspired nurses at Birmingham’s Royal Orthopaedic Hospital (ROH) with memories of her service during the Second World War

Now 101 years old, Joy McCliskie is a resident at Mercia Grange, a Care UK care home.

She worked as a nurse at the hospital from 1940-1948. During her time at the ROH Joy worked on the wards and in the later years in the outpatients’ department, then located on Broad Street.

Much of her nursing career took place during the war, a very different time to be a nurse than it is today.

Sophie and Helen, two nurses currently working at ROH, were enthralled by Joy’s memories of working during those years, from the use of frames for turning spinal patients to warming beds with stone hot water bottles and wearing tin hats when on night duty.

Michael McNelis, Home Manager at Mercia Grange, said: “Giving older people an opportunity to reminisce is at the heart of everything we do, so when the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital team reached out to us, we were excited to invite them in for a chat.

“Joy’s time with Sophie and Helen brought back many happy memories for her, and we hope it will inspire many others to follow in her footsteps.”

An ROH spokesperson added: “While the daily roles of nurses may have changed over the decades, nursing remains the lifeblood of the NHS.

“Our nurses work incredibly hard to care for the many patients who are treated at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, delivering compassionate care and helping patients regain their mobility, independence and quality of life.”

About the ROH

The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest specialist orthopaedic units in Europe, offering planned orthopaedic surgery to people locally, nationally, and internationally.

The Trust is an accredited Veteran Aware organisation and a Disability Confident Leader. Ranked eighth in the 2024 UK Inclusive Top 50 Employers list, the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital is the highest-ranking NHS organisation for its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

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Sutton care home offers free dementia advice

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Care Uk Trymview hall bristol. photography 2023. Picture by Shaun Fellows / Shine Pix Ltd

As part of a nationwide initiative, a care home in Sutton Coldfield is inviting local people to its free dementia advice event. On Wednesday 19th February, from 2pm-4pm, Care UK’s Mercia Grange, on Lichfield Road, is inviting members of the community to a special event as part of The Big Dementia Conversation.

Thgis is a nationwide initiative designed to show people how to better understand common symptoms and live well with the condition.  

While general awareness of the condition has improved, data from Care UK shows two thirds of people who have a relative living with dementia (62%) initially put their symptoms down to old age. Many Brits remain unaware of the ways older people can lead meaningful lives with the condition, prompting Care UK to relaunch its Big Dementia Conversation for the second year running. 

The ‘Adjusting to a Diagnosis of Dementia’ session at Mercia Grange will be led by Barbara Stephens, CEO of Dementia Pathfinders. Barbara will share insights into how someone’s journey with dementia might unfold following a diagnosis and offer advice on how to live positively with dementia, while making emotional and practical adjustments along the way. Complimentary refreshments will be available. 

In addition to the event, the Sutton Coldfield community can also visit a newly launched online advice hub. The hub includes in-depth conversations with families of people living with dementia, as well as expert advice from Care UK’s dementia specialists to learn how to reduce the risks and symptoms of the condition. 

Michael McNelis, Home Manager at Mercia Grange, said: “Most people will be affected by dementia in their lifetime – whether it’s through a loved one’s diagnosis or their own.

“We know just how much of a difference expert guidance can make, which is why we’re looking forward to welcoming Barbara to Mercia Grange for the Big Dementia Conversation. She will be able to provide guidance for carers, while offering insight into what it’s like to live with the condition.

“We’d like to encourage those interested in attending to book their space to avoid missing out.”

For more information on Mercia Grange and to book a place at the event, please call Customer Relations Manager Rachel Mackay on 0121 314 3196, or email rachel.mackay@careuk.com

To support people who may be experiencing symptoms of dementia or their loved ones, Care UK has set up a free helpline and advice hub. To find out more, please visit: careuk.com/bigdementiaconversation