UHNM teams up with Alzheimer’s Society to improve care and experience of dementia patients
University Hospitals of North Midland NHS Trust (UHNM) has partnered with the Alzheimer’s Society to help improve the care and experience of patients living with dementia.
Staff from the Royal Stoke University Hospital’s Older Adults wards are receiving additional training delivered with the support of the charity to help further meet the needs of inpatients with dementia.
Monthly training sessions are being provided for all clinical staff to attend, with the option to become a ‘Dementia Friend’ upon completion. Staff will then be able to pass on their skills and best practice to colleagues.
Around 20 staff from Older Adults have also completed a year-long ‘Dementia Champion’ training programme in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society, which includes three days of external placements.
Rebecca Cato, Clinical Nurse Educator said: “Unfortunately, the numbers of patients with dementia is increasing, and we need to do more to understand this complex condition so that we are providing the very best care to our patients and support for their families.
“Our staff have embraced their training and will act as a resource for colleagues to pass on their experience, knowledge, and best practice for a patient with a dementia diagnosis.
“With support from the Alzheimer’s Society, our Dementia Champions will also work with colleagues to further improve the ward environment to make it more dementia friendly, tailoring it to meet the needs of patients with a dementia diagnosis, and their loved ones.”
As part of their support to UHNM, the Alzheimer’s Society also donated a number of books, games and puzzles, specifically aimed at patients with dementia.
Karen Cooper, Local Services Manager for the Alzheimer’s Society said: “This donation of equipment helps to provide meaningful occupational activity for older adults with a dementia diagnosis. Occupational activities are important for inpatients of all ages, but particularly when you are unable to engage with your usual activities in a meaningful way because you have memory or perception problems linked to your dementia diagnosis.
“The activities provide a focal point for staff to communicate with patients both individually or in small groups, as it is important for patients to socialise during their hospital stay.”
Further Dementia Friend and Champion training will be provided in the New Year.