University Hospital Wishaw’s Styles and Smiles salon has been named as a finalist in the Best Hospital Care Initiative category of Scotland’s Dementia Awards.

The salon offers patients free hair styling and barbering services.

Established through a partnership between NHS Lanarkshire, Serco, Summit Healthcare and New College Lanarkshire, the salon features two height-adjustable back-wash sinks, three hairstyling chairs, an overhead hood dryer and a seating area.

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.

“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.”