We're supporting Dementia Action Week 2019

Many people are worried about ‘saying the wrong thing’ to people living with dementia. And despite almost all of us knowing someone affected, two-thirds of people living with dementia report feeling isolated and lonely.

This Dementia Action Week, the Alzheimer’s Society is encouraging everyone to take action by starting a conversation, whether its calling a relative with dementia or visiting a neighbour.

Here at Spire Portsmouth Hospital, we will be having a display in the main reception all week to create awareness and provide information leaflets, contacts and support details.

Our Dementia Lead Nurse is Gill Rankin, Gill works on the wards and is able to support any patient who comes to the hospital who is living with dementia.

Gill explains: "We ensure that a truly person centered approach to care is provided and encourage people to bring in a ‘This is Me’  or ‘Patient Passport’ which details all kinds of information that will be important for us to know about you so that your stay is made as comfortable and worry free as possible".

Gill meets with patients prior to their admission to ensure that everything possible can be put in place to meet the needs of the individual.

She also provides Dementia training to all of the hospital staff and is a volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Society, supporting people living with dementia and their partners at  monthly ‘Memory Cafes’ .

Ann Stares, our Out Patient Sister is a Dementia Champion, trained via the Alzheimer’s Society and we also have number of staff who are ‘Dementia Friends’ which we intend to increase over the year.

If you'd like to find out more about how our Dementia Champions can assist you during your stay, contact a member of the team today on 02394 271 135.