A HOSPITAL that set up its own hair salon for dementia patients is so busy it has queues out the door.

Students from New College Lanarkshire style, cut and barber three days a week at University Hospital Wishaw and lecturers also been volunteering their during the Summer holidays.

More than 300 treatments have already been carried out by students from the college’s Motherwell Campus.

The hospital has shortlisted in Scotland’s Dementia Awards in the Best Hospital Care Initiative category for their project titled ‘Styles and Smiles’. Winners will be announced on September 18 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow.

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Jackie McMahon, a hairdressing lecturer, said: “It’s extraordinary to see the faces of the patients after they’ve had their hair done.

"Being on a ward, you don’t have the opportunity to make yourself feel good.

"We’ve been really busy and some days we’ve even had queues. It’s hard work but it’s so rewarding.”

Anne Leitch, chief nurse at University Hospital Wishaw, said: “The ‘Styles and Smiles’ salon was launched after patients told porters they were embarrassed about their hair.

“The salon supports people with Dementia to maintain community participation, allowing individuals who have hairdressing routine to maintain this while in hospital.

“We are delighted with the impact the salon has had on our patients. We have regular patients attending and they look forward to going to the salon.

“We have noticed an increase in the patients mood, they are excited and they have fed back that they enjoy their families seeing their new hairstyle.

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“One patient commented that she felt instantly better after having her hair done. The social interaction within the salon is fabulous and has a positive impact on patients.”

Henry Simmons, Alzheimer Scotland’s Chief Executive, said: “Scotland’s Dementia Awards celebrate the people and projects working tirelessly to improve care and support for people living with dementia and their families throughout our communities and across the health, social care and education sectors.