A new family room set for an older person care ward will enable families to stay together at their greatest times of need.

This year, the Soroptimist International Bangor and District Club donated £5,000 through the north Wales NHS charity, Awyr Las, towards a John’s Campaign family room on Ysbyty Gwynedd’s Glaslyn Ward.

Glaslyn Ward was the first ward in Wales to formally adopt the John’s Campaign which allows the carer to stay with their loved one at hospital.

Delyth Thomas, acute dementia clinical nurse specialist, said: “For a person with cognitive impairment such as dementia or delirium or is at a palliative-care stage of their life, having a loved one by your side can provide personal comfort, touch and support and increase feelings of warmth and care.

“It also has the ability to reduce feelings of anxiety and isolation, and to be there together at this time of need.

“Currently on Glaslyn there are no provisions for families to be able to stay with their loved ones overnight.

“Having access to a family room on Glaslyn will enable a family to stay close to their loved ones day or night, providing a safe and caring environment.”

Andy Hawkins, President for the Bangor and District Soroptimists, said they chose to support Dementia Care in their 70th anniversary year with the NHS in 2018.

She said: “In the course of selling raffle tickets, holding tombola stalls in Ysbyty Gwynedd, social events, coffee mornings, a Glam and Glitz evening and finally an anniversary afternoon tea.

“We have met so many people who want to support the work of the dementia team because of the first-hand experience of family friends with dementia.

“It has been a humbling experience and I would like to thank everyone who supported us willingly and generously. In particular I would like to thank Delyth Thomas and her team – it has been a moving and wonderful experience getting to know them and their work this year and all members of Bangor and District wish them well in the future.”