A WIRRAL hospital is helping its elderly patients to watch England in the Euro finals this weekend.

Staff at Wirral University Teaching Hospital’s Department of Medicine for the Elderly, a ward which treats patients with cognitive impairments including dementia, have set up a number of activities for the patients to help them enjoy the game.  

This includes taking some patients to ‘the pub’ – a room in the hospital decorated to look like an old-fashioned local – to watch the match.   

Watching the game on TV and being involved in the celebration is expected to help dementia patients by stirring memories of the past, supporting social engagement and improving their wellbeing.

Where patients aren’t well enough to get to ‘the pub’, staff will be taking a screen direct to the patient, so they can be part of the event.  

England’s top doctor today thanked hardworking NHS teams for bringing patients together to create ‘goal-den’ memories cheering on Gareth Southgate’s team as they try to end 58 years of hurt and repeat the success of the Lionesses, who won the European Championships in 2022.   

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, said: “While football could be coming home this weekend, we know that unfortunately won’t be possible for every patient in hospital – and I’d like to thank all our hardworking NHS staff who will be on duty when England play Spain, especially those going the extra mile to help patients to see and enjoy the game.  

“Some patients may well remember back to 1966 and the happy memories of the England men’s team last winning a major trophy, as well as the Lionesses’ triumph more recently – and I’m sure everyone will join us in wishing Gareth Southgate’s team the best of luck in trying to bring it home once more.”