Mayor of Ellesmere Port Peter Rooney donned his ceremonial chain in a familiar setting when he pitched up at Ellesmere Port Hospital.

Cllr Rooney, deputy security manager at the Countess of Chester Hospital , worked at Ellesmere Port at the start of his career.

He was invited back to open a special mosaic commemorating 100 years of care at Chester Road.

The mayor was also given a sneak peek at new software designed to help patients with dementia.

“This was not my first event since becoming mayor but it’s been one of my favourites,” Cllr Rooney said.

“I worked here for three or four years and it’s always been a great place to work with staff that are really friendly.

“Because it’s small everyone knows everyone and it’s like a big family.”

The mosaic, which depicts a pair of butterflies hovering by two flowers on a hot summer’s day, is located in the hospital’s centenary garden.

It was created by local artist Aleta Doran after discussions with staff.

Butterflies were chosen as a symbol of finding beauty and grace from tough experiences while camomile is a healing plant and the forget-me-not flower is synonymous with dementia care.

Many patients use the garden which is maintained on a voluntary basis by staff from the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet at Cheshire Oaks.

It offers entertainment and a break from being on the ward.

Mayor Peter Rooney with representatives of the Cheshire Community Foundation at Ellesmere Port Hospital
Mayor Peter Rooney with representatives of the Cheshire Community Foundation at Ellesmere Port Hospital

The hospital explains that another way to help patients with dementia is to invoke a strong sense of nostalgia which is what the ‘My Life Dementia Reminiscence Therapy’ software seen by Cllr Rooney is said to do to great effect.

The therapy, which was brought into the Countess of Chester as part of a ‘Care of the Elderly’ project earlier this year, hosts a catalogue of musical, sporting and current affairs clips from yesteryear.

It is now to be rolled out at Ellesmere Port Hospital after additional funding from Comic Relief.

“It’s fabulous,” said Cllr Rooney.

JNgozi Ikoku, trust and legacy fundraiser of the Countess Charity who organised the event commented: “The event was a wonderful celebration of recent projects developed by the charity for the benefit of our patients and their visitors at Ellesmere Port Hospital.

“Even the weather held out for this special occasion and we were all able to view and delight in the beautiful mosaic in the centenary garden.”

The charity says it is grateful to Urenco and Comic Relief through Cheshire Community Foundation for the funding received to realise the two projects.