A WORLD first trial to ensure patients stay hydrated has been launched at Taunton's Musgrove Park Hospital.

The Droplet scheme involves a dementia-friendly mug and plastic tumbler playing pre-set messages to patients not drinking regularly enough.

They can be programmed with personalised messages from patients’ families and help ward staff keep a check.

The project is running on Conservators, Exmoor, Gould and Sheppard wards and could later include the whole hospital.

Early indications show people who used the Droplet mug and tumbler drank 40 per cent more liquid than those who did not.

Droplet was developed by Ellie Van Leeuwen, as part of her product design course at Bournemouth University.

She was inspired to create a solution following the care of her grandmother, who became disorientated and confused while in a hospital elsewhere in England after she became dehydrated.

Ellie felt there must be a better way for patients to be prompted to keep drinking fluids on the ward.

She said: “It’s very exciting to get this opportunity to trial the work I have done over the past three years in a real life hospital setting.

“Last week I spent time on the wards and it has been great to see patients’ reaction to the mug and tumbler and how it’s making a difference to them.”

The idea was taken on by an international product manufacturing company and had input from health and social care professionals.

The mug has a broad stable base and chunky open ended handle to allow patients with weak or swollen hands to easily grip it with one or both hands.

It insulates the heat of the drink so patients can hold the mug without burning their hands and there are measuring lines to record fluid levels.

The mug is also scratch, shatter, odour and stain resistant.

The tumbler is similar in the way it works, but it is tinted blue, giving the impression of fresher, cleaner and colder water, making it look more appealing to drink from.

The light and sound reminder base, which can be attached to the mug or tumbler, plays pre-set or personalised messages if it hasn't been drunk from for a certain period; it has warning lights that flash to remind the patient to drink and alert ward staff if it has not been drunk from; and the base glows to help the patient find their cup at night.

Conservator ward sister Kerry Trunks said: “It’s been great to trial the new mugs and glasses on the ward to encourage patients to drink more.

“Their appearance is much more appealing, especially for patients who have brain injuries or cognitive impairment. Feedback so far is overwhelmingly positive.”