29.06.11

The Trust is supporting this years Dementia Awareness Week (4-8 July). The theme of the week is Remember the Person, which encourages people to be a friend to someone with dementia.

 

One of the aims of the week is to take the fear out of dementia and to acknowledge that life with dementia can still be full of joy. It gives advice on ten simple things to do to help a family living with dementia.

 

 The week also marks an opportunity to promote the South West Hospital Standards in Dementia Care. The eight Standards focus on the key aspects of care for the patient with Dementia and for their carers within the Hospital setting. The Standards also strengthen how we are working together with our key partners within Gloucestershire and in particular our patients, their carers and our Local Alzheimer’s Society.

 

 Another vital aspect of the Standards is the introduction of Dementia Ward Champions. Every ward team will have a Dementia Champion with a lead responsible for supporting delivery of the standards, patient care planning and training of other staff members. The Trust is set to launch this role during Dementia Awareness Week.

 

 The Trust’s Dementia Strategy has implemented a range of developments to improve patient and carer experience, ensuring senior leadership, staff education and constant monitoring.  These include e-learning courses for staff and promoting use of the Alzheimer’s Society and the Royal College of Nursing ‘This is Me’ document to support patient care.

 

 Maggie Arnold, Director of Nursing said:  “We have a responsibility to assure our patients that they will have respect, dignity and appropriate care.

 

 “Communicating with our patients isn’t just about talking. Non-verbal communication is very important too, especially for someone who may be losing their language skills.

 

 “With the development of the Hospital e-learning package, we believe we can give clinical staff a greater understanding of the experience of the patient with Dementia, enabling them to deliver better quality patient care.”

 

For more information, please contact: Kate Jeal, Communications Specialist on 08454 223563 or Kate.Jeal@glos.nhs.uk