A dementia-friendly ward at the Royal Free Hospital has been transformed to look like 1970s Hampstead High Street.

Staff and volunteers have celebrated a refurbishment of 10 North ward at the Royal Free Hospital which has turned it into a therapeutic and reminiscence space for elder patients.

Newspaper headlines from decades past adorn the walls to spark conversations and memories, while the patient day room has become a dining-room with ‘60s and ‘70s décor.

Danielle Wilde, trust dementia lead, said: “People with dementia need something different from a regular hospital ward.

“Our main priority is about establishing where they are, who we are and what we are going to do.

“And so, our main challenge is to build a world in which we can communicate with them a build a relationship.

“This new ward environment is almost like a set – it creates the perfect space to perform those interactions and form the connections that are essential in the care of dementia patients.”

A post box, bus stop and working hair salon have all been put in place so patients can recover surrounded by familiarity.

Eduarda, ward sister, said: “The designs were chosen by our patients and our multi-disciplinary team on 10 North.”

Camden’s Community Infrastructure Levy, the Royal Free Charity, and Royal Free London clinical and executive teams funded the project.

The refurbishment of 10 North ward follows completed work at Larch ward at Barnet Hospital and the dementia gardens at Chase Farm Hospital.

Chairman of the Hampstead Neighbourhood Forum, Janine Griffis, who led the public consultation on the use of the fund, said: “The public chose to spend the fund here – three quarters of people who responded to the consultation supported using the money on this project.”