A production company has commemorated in a film the work of hospital staff who took part in a palliative care improvement programme.

Think About It Films have produced a short video showing the revamped methods used by staff at Watford General Hospital to care for people with life-limiting illnesses.

The film shows the latest improvements on the Croxley and Sarrat wards for the elderly.

Both wards recently took part in a 150-day NHS Improvement initiative for which they were highly praised by the West Hertfordshire Hospital Trust.

By the end of the project, the staff had developed their own training programme suited to their methods, increased their self-confidence and improved the quality of care given to patients.

Thanks to donations and recommendations by staff, patients can now enjoy aromatherapy and beauty treatments, more literature and games, as well as a choice of music.

Many of the patients on the Croxley ad Sarratt wards have multiple chronic conditions and deteriorate rapidly. Hospital staff said, this new approach offers them the “comforts of home” and treats them as individuals.

Emily Purvis, senior sister on the Sarratt ward said: "We are able to offer lots of home comforts as we know our patients and their families feel better with a bit of normality.”

China cups and saucers are used for hot drinks, bedside table lamps are available, and a drink's trolley known as “Arthur's Bar” is stocked with alcohol and mixers for patients.

New side rooms are available for patients nearing the end of their lives to provide greater dignity and privacy.

Emily added: “We can’t cure the dying, but we can take extra care to make that last bit of life comfortable and dignified.”

Croxley and Sarrat staff, led by the palliative care team and junior sisters have developed their own "patient centred" training sessions learning about different sorts of medication and how it is administered.

Individual care plan folders help to improve communication and information sharing between staff, and patients and their families.

To view the Think About It Films video, visit: https://vimeo.com/234745942

West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust serves people across Hertfordshire, north London and further afield. It operates from three hospitals; Watford General, St Albans City and Hemel Hempstead.