Twiddle mitts bring a splash of colour to Windrush Ward

Twiddle mitts bring a splash of colour to Windrush Ward

Patients and colleagues at Cirencester Hospital were thrilled and very grateful to receive these fabulous twiddle mitts from talented knitter Margaret in Bradley Stoke, Bristol.

Twiddle mitts are knitted cuffs or hand warmers, which have different textures and materials attached, such as beads, ribbons and buttons, that people with dementia can hold and ‘twiddle’ to help any restlessness and agitation that they might experience.

Jo Beames, Admin Team Lead and Volunteer Supervisor at Cirencester Hospital, said: “I would like to say a massive thank you to Margaret on behalf of all my colleagues and the patients at Cirencester Hospital for this very generous and thoughtful gift. The twiddle mitts are absolutely beautiful – Margaret, you are very talented.

“Twiddle mitts provide meaningful activities for individuals living with dementia. They are calming and help to relieve stress. They are also great for sensory therapy by keeping patients’ hands busy in a productive and positive way.

“We will be holding a summer fete on Saturday 13 July, from which all proceeds raised will go to Cirencester Hospital League of Friends, who purchase vital equipment for the hospital.

“If there are any knitters out there who would like to donate some more twiddle mitts, these would be greatly appreciated and sold on the day in aid of the League of Friends.

“And if you’re looking for a challenge, we would be really grateful for donations of knitted medical scenes – like the ones you see on the top of post boxes. We would like to display these at the fete and in the hospital afterwards.

“Once again, thank you Margaret on behalf of all the patients and staff at Cirencester Hospital for your fabulous twiddle mitts.”

Community blood pressure and health checks

Community blood pressure and health checks

Our Community Outreach Vaccination and Health team, together with our One Gloucestershire health and care partners, are supporting the Blood Pressure UK campaign, ‘Know Your Numbers’, all year round, in a bid to reduce heart attacks and stroke.

Macmillan Next Steps launches first in podcast series

Macmillan Next Steps launches first in podcast series

Our team at Macmillan Next Steps has recorded the first in what will be a new series of podcasts. In episode one, ‘Returning to Work After Cancer’, Macmillan Next Steps’ Katie Clive talks with Lisa about the physical and psychological challenges she faced when returning to work following her cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Help stop the spread of winter bugs!

Help stop the spread of winter bugs!

Nobody wants to start the New Year with flu, a tummy bug or diarrhoea. However, if you do get poorly, there are a few simple things you can do to help prevent the spread of nasty bugs and viruses.

Accessibility