During Dementia Action Week*, Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (SASH) raised awareness of dementia with a series of events and activities at East Surrey Hospital to support and improve the lives of people living with dementia.
Dementia Action Week focuses on creating positive action to improve the lives of people living with dementia and to create dementia friendly communities across the UK. At SASH, staff are encouraged to ask families to complete a ‘reach out to me’ patient information sheet, which helps clinicians caring for people who have memory problems or are living with dementia to learn more about their individual needs and preferences.
During the week, a series of events were held to provide, information and support to people with partner organisations. Other activities included a Join Dementia Kiosk in the library, which people can sign up to and be part of on-going dementia research and tea parties to celebrate the recent royal wedding held on our care of the elderly wards.
Chris O’Connor, consultant Admiral nurse, who specialises in offering emotional support, clinical expertise and practical advice said: “In the UK it is estimated that 850,000 people are living with dementia. In reality, far more people are affected by dementia because of the impact it also has on families and friends. As a dementia friendly organisation our action is to continue to support families of people living with dementia while they are patients at East Surrey Hospital.”
SASH are committed to dementia care and recently demonstrated their commitment to people living with dementia by joining the Dementia Action Alliances’ Dementia-Friendly Hospital Charter.
Michael Wilson CBE, chief executive at SASH said: “I am pleased that SASH has been recognised as a dementia friendly organisation. We are committed to being at the forefront of excellence in dementia care and Dementia Action Week is a great opportunity to support people in the local community, who use the services that we provide.”
