NHS Health Roadshow – Dementia Awareness

A packed hall greeted Joy Marshall, Dementia Matron for EK NHS Trust, as she gave a superb presentation about the innovations she and her team are implementing in the William Harvey, Kent and Canterbury, and QEQM hospitals.

Acknowledging the large amount of work yet to come, Joy spoke about the many new initiatives she and her team have put in place to give patients with dementia a better experience whilst in hospital. Simple things such as colour coding bays, keeping noise to a minimum and having Dementia Champions on each ward are just some of the ideas already being implemented, with many more well-thought-out approaches due soon.

Dr Phil Brighton, Clinical Lead for Dementia across the Trust, answered questions from the audience after the presentation and agreed that past experiences of hospital for those with dementia, needed to inform current and future practice. He said that Joy and her team of Dementia Nurses were wholly focussed on making the experience of hospital as positive as possible for people with dementia and also for their carers. Much of the feedback from the audience praised the energy brought to the hospitals by the Dementia Nurse team and supported their efforts wholeheartedly.

Paul Watts from Inchwater Home Care, was invited to provide information about the new free Dementia Awareness Sessions for family carers. Paul said, “We have had some superb feedback about the new courses and family carers are keen to make a start. Currently, we have courses in Deal, Canterbury and Ashford and are looking for venues in Thanet. Hopefully we will be able to make a start there soon as there is a clear need.” Enquiries came from family carers, neighbours and even a member of staff from another care agency!

For more information on our free Dementia Awareness Sesssions for family carers, please call the Dover office on 01304 241684.


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