ABSTRACT
In 2002-3 a small room in Newham University Hospital was transformed into a Nostalgia Room with a 1940/1950s theme. The first step was to get the clinicians on side, as support was needed to obtain the room. Materials and contents for the room were purchased, donated and loaned from a whole range of sources. Items were bought from boot sales, second-hand shops, auctions, and advertisements were placed for some items. The room has become a very hands-on place where patients pick up objects, reminisce and talk about them over a cup of tea. The Nostalgia Room has generated a huge amount of positive feedback. The many positive outcomes of the Nostalgia Room can be seen on a daily basis in the faces of those who use and visit the room - the patients, their relatives, staff, volunteers and carers.
