A SELECTION of games have been made available to elderly patients at two hospitals to make their stays more enjoyable.

The games were introduced at Bishop Auckland General and Darlington Memorial Hospitals following an older patients' satisfaction survey, carried out with the help of the local community health councils.

Although patients were generally satisfied with their care, there were some calls for improvements, especially in relation to the hospital environment, catering and discharge procedure.

Patients can now enjoy morning and afternoon snacks and use books, card games and dominoes in their wards.

Signs at both hospitals have been improved to help visitors and new leaflets, including one explaining discharge arrangements, have been produced.

Laura Robson, director of nursing and community services, said: "We are very grateful to all those who took part in the focus groups and to the community health council for their support.

"Thanks to their help we have been able to highlight and address issues that are important to older patients."