STAFF from Arrowe Park Hospital have been using their knitting skills to help patients with dementia.

They have produced a series of 'Twiddlemuffs' to assist people with memory problems.

They specially-knitted hand muffs that have items such as buttons, ribbons or textured fabric attached.

They are aimed at giving patients with dementia, who may become agitated, something to do with their hands and help to keep them calm.

They have been produced voluntarily by Trust staff who are members of the "Chronicles of Yarnia" knitting group, which meets once a week at the hospital library.

Marg Davies, matron for dementia at Wirral University Teaching Hospital Trust, said: "There can be a lack of stimulation for people with dementia meaning they can get quite distressed.

"The Twiddlemuffs have a calming effect as they give them something to do with their hands and they also keep their hands warm.

"They are given to any patient who would benefit from using them.

"The patient can keep them and take them home.

"The knitting group, as well as mums of staff and community groups in Wirral have been making Twiddlemuffs for our patients.

"As they are so popular, we need a regular supply and are asking other people to get in touch if they would like to make them."

There are more than 2,000 people living with dementia in Wirral and those figures are on the increase.

The Twiddlemuffs are available for patients at the specialist Memories Café at Arrowe Park Hospital, which was recently set up for dementia inpatients and their carers.

Sarah Murray, dementia support worker at Alzheimer's Society, added: "I think the Twiddlemuffs will be really beneficial as they can help calm patients who are agitated.

"They are also a good way of getting people talking and a lot of hard work has gone into making them."

If you would like to get involved in making Twiddlemuffs for dementia patients email wih-tr.communications@nhs.net