AMBULANCES have been given a revamp to make them become more dementia friendly.

Two ambulances, which have just hit the road, have had images added to their windows, which experts believe will make them more inviting to those who live with dementia.

The windows, which are now less “clinical”, include images of the Southend seafront and beach huts in Chalkwell.

Ambulance crews will also carry individual patient resource packs, which include knitted twiddle muffs and blankets.

These keep dementia patients hands busy, and can help stop agitation.

There is also a CD player with a range of calming music.

The joint project between Southend Hospital and the East of England Ambulance Service has already proven to be a huge hit.

On the first day on the road one of the ambulances picked up a dementia patient from a care home. The use of music helped to calm them during their journey.

Sarah Ecclestone, Senior Sister in the Emergency Department at Southend Hospital, said: “It’s such a simple idea, but will make such a big difference to dementia patients.

“We already have these on the wards, they make a huge positive impact on patients. This is just extending that on the road.

“The inside of the ambulances are also more welcoming for children and patients with learning difficulties.”

Laura Spears, Assistant General Manager for the East of England Ambulance Service in South Essex, explained that this project could be widened across Essex.

She added: “This is a really exciting project and we are hoping that it makes a big difference for many of our patients in the community.

“We are looking forward to hearing some of the feedback over the coming weeks. “The dementia ambulance was a joint initiative with the hospital and we are already considering the possibility of launching something similar in other areas, if we can fundraise in conjunction with local trusts.”