A 'POP-up pub' has opened its doors at Arrowe Park Hospital to help patients with dementia.

'Memories', situated on Ward 21, doesn't offer alcohol - it is in fact a 'reminiscence pod' - one of several used by the hospital to support patients with dementia.

The hospital already has two 1950s living rooms and a Ball Room is set to open for patients at Clatterbridge Hospital.

Tina Long, Director of Nursing and Midwifery at Wirral University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: "The Trust is committed to improving the care that patients with dementia receive.

"We have introduced several initiatives in order to maintain patient privacy, dignity and respect.

"The reminiscence pods have been introduced to help calm people down who are anxious with their surroundings and provide them with a familiar environment."

Sue Newnes, support services manager, Alzheimer's Society Wirral, added: "Alzheimer's Society recognises the benefits of reminiscence work as it can help people with dementia to make connections between the past, present and future.

"Someone may struggle to remember what they did five minutes ago, but can recall memories from much earlier years in their lives quite clearly and enjoy talking about this.

"Physical items, photographs, films and music can often bring back memories and stimulate conversations which are hugely beneficial to someone with dementia.

"It can help people who are losing their communication skills to talk more and encourages sociability."

Wirral South MP Alison McGovern dropped in to see the 'Memories' pub and thought it was an excellent idea and extremely realistic.

She added: "I was really pleased to be able to visit Memories, which I think is a really creative approach for helping people who suffer with dementia.

"I think memory pods are an effective way of helping people to find comfort, during what can be a distressing time.

"This kind of approach can help staff treat patients with respect and dignity, which I think should be celebrated."