Volunteer call for Salisbury hospital elderly scheme
A Salisbury hospital is seeking more volunteers for a scheme which helps stimulate elderly patients' brains.
The project, which has been running in two elderly wards at Salisbury District Hospital's Odstock site for 12 months, is being expanded.
A team of about 50 volunteers talk to patients and play card games in order to keep their minds more active.
Lizzy Goad, psychology co-ordinator at the hospital, said the work was "rewarding and enjoyable".
She added: "The project needs volunteers who are committed to our patients and who can make a difference during a difficult time in their lives."
Since the scheme was established, depression among participants has fallen, patient satisfaction has risen and patients' length of stay at the hospital has dropped by about 25%, the hospital said.