SAY HELLO TO RITA ….. otherwise known as Reminiscence Interactive Therapy Activity, which has been introduced into the Hull Hospitals as part of their care pathways to support patients with dementia and memory problems within the hospital environment.

The Hull Old Grammarian’s Lodge No 5129 has made a contribution of £2,000 towards the funding of the systems which has been generously matched by the Provincial Charity, FCYNER, with an additional £2,000.

Charity Steward W Bro Geoff Branton went to see the system in action at the Castle Hill hospital and commented that local Freemasonry is proud to support the introduction of RITA. He added “Working with the WISHH charity is exactly the type of initiative to which we like to offer help, on the basis that people from the Hull and East Riding areas will, ultimately, be the beneficiaries. The feedback from the staff is very positive and we have been delighted to be involved”.

The system consists of two units – a “full size RITA”, which is trolley based and ideal for use with multiple patients, and a “Baby RITA” which is a tablet version more suited for one to one activity.

Karen Harrison, the Lead Matron for Dementia at the Hull University Teaching Hospitals demonstrated the system, showing that the wide range of pre-loaded programmes, music, activities, and much more, helps to maintain cognitive function, social interaction and reminiscence. Ward Sister Michelle Robertson said RITA was priceless –interaction that is more social can really boost patient’s sense of wellbeing and even promote faster recovery.

Word has spread around the hospital of the benefits that RITA brings. The Dementia Care Team and WISHH charity are exploring further fundraising ideas to ensure that every ward at Hull University Teaching Hospitals can say hello to RITA.