An innovative tray designed to make it easier for patients to clean their hands before meals and get a good night’s sleep is set to be rolled out across West Suffolk Hospital following a successful trial.

The Rose Vital tray carries the words “please use me before every meal”, with an arrow pointing towards packets of handwipes, as well as a “please use me at night” label alongside some earplugs.

It was thought up by nursing assistant Rosario Preston to make it easier for patients to ensure their hands are clean before they eat and to get an undisturbed night’s sleep.

It was trialed on F4, which is the ward on which Rose works, with complaints about noise reducing from 85% of the ward’s total to just 15% as a result.

It was so well received that the design is being trademarked, with the tray due to be rolled out across the hospital shortly.

“I came up with the idea based on my experience on the wards,” said Rose, who lives in Bury St Edmunds and has worked at the hospital for around five years.

“When patients come back from theatre or if they feel very unwell, they aren’t always able to go to the toilet to clean their hands before a meal. Previously, nursing assistants would have gone round delivering handwipes individually. By adding them to the tray and reminding the patients to use them, we have freed up extra time for staff to spend on other tasks.

“The earplugs have also made a difference and are helping patients to rest, which is brilliant.

“I am really pleased the Rose Vital tray has already had such an impact and look forward to it being rolled out further.”