A vibrating cushion gave occupational therapist Alicia Short a bit of a shock when she accidentally sat on it in The Retreat Hospital's unique relaxation room.

Alicia Short, occupational therapist, and Brian Scott, head of nursing at The Retreat Hospital, York, check out the multi-sensory environment in the Snoezelen.

But in normal circumstances the item, designed to ease aches and pains, as part of a range of specialist equipment in the hospital's new Snoezelen, would promote a sense of calm and inner peace.

The Snoezelen - the Dutch word means "sniff indoors" - looks something like a seventies disco with its fibre optic tubes, mirror balls and projected images but the addition of essential oils, and softly-playing music in the background makes it a place for rest and relaxation.

It is designed to improve the health of elderly and mentally ill patients by stimulating the senses and involving people in a positive communal activity when the equipment is used during small group sessions.

Alison Little, service leader at the hospital, in Heslington Road, York, said: "It is a multi-sensory environment in which you can promote relaxation.

"For a lot of elderly people who have problems with their vision, the lights demand them to focus.

"You can smell, touch, hear and go around the room to explore the environment."

Many of the gadgets are fitted with switches and buttons so patients can operate them and see them flash on and off and there is also a sound wall - a soft cushion which makes noises when punched - to help patients let off steam.

Annie Borthwick, resident "friend" of The Retreat, dealing with visitors and fundraising among other things, raised the £5,000 needed to pay for the kitting out of the room by applying to various Quaker organisations. A further £2,000 is left over to pay for additional equipment.

The room opens for patients tomorrow. It may also be made available for use by the general public.

Mrs Short said they hoped the room would allow some valuable research to be done.

She said: "We are on the brink of setting up a project with final-year occupational therapy students at the University College of Ripon and York St John, which will hopefully lead to something quite useful."

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