NEW technology using sight, sounds and even smell to help people to sleep better was being introduced into the health service in South Cumbria more than 20 years ago.
Equipment which looked more like something you would see in a nightclub or disco was making getting to sleep easier for the elderly at Ulverston.
The Mail on October 17, in 1997, noted: "The 'disco' is a new piece of equipment called the Snoezelen, which has been installed in a special room for the hospital's elderly patients.
"The Dutch-designed machine stimulates the patient's motor-sensory environment with gentle flashing lights, fibre-optics, and new-age instrumental music."
The article noted: "Hospital staff describe the moving lights as 'like a disco'.
"Sue Brampton, project manager for Snoezelen, said: 'A lot of our patients have dementia and this machine is designed to relax them and provide enjoyment'.
"The machine was provided by the Hospital Equipment Fund of Furness, a charitable organisation,"
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