A NORTH-EAST hospital trust has taken steps to improve the care it offers for patients with dementia.
North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust has introduced specialist dementia champions, with at least one representative in every ward area.
Over the last three years, 170 staff have been trained in advanced dementia awareness– including doctors, nurses, healthcare assistants, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, specialist nurses, ward clerks and porters.
The training is run by dementia specialist nurse Stephen Nicholson, community dementia nurse Janette McGuire and occupational therapist Nicola Murphy.
Mr Nicholson said: “What we have achieved over the last three years has been nothing short of fantastic.
“At that time we had no staff who were trained to this higher level – now we have at least one champion in every clinical area in the acute trust, and there are many community staff from Stockton and Hartlepool that have taken this knowledge to out of hospital care.
“It’s a phenomenal achievement. Staff have embraced the training and have recognised its importance, resulting in a lengthy waiting list for future sessions."
“Thank you to all staff involved – you really are champions."
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