SASH joins John’s Campaign
Having introduced open visiting for relatives and friends visiting patients at East Surrey Hospital in September this year, Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (SASH) has now gone one step further by joining a national campaign which gives carers of those with dementia the opportunity to stay in hospital with their loved ones.
John’s Campaign was launched after the death of Dr John Gerrard in November 2014 by his daughter Nicci Gerrard, who believes her father, who had Alzheimer’s, would have benefitted greatly if she had been able to stay with him during his time in hospital.
From now, when a patient is admitted to hospital, their family and carers who have been caring for the person being admitted will be asked if they would like to continue to be involved in their care. SASH will also make sure any advice the family and carer can give is written down in the patient’s ‘Reach out to me’ document, so that the multidisciplinary team knows that the family and carer are partners in care.
Chris O’Connor, consultant nurse for dementia, said: “We know what a frightening and confusing experience it can be being admitted to hospital, particularly for patients with dementia. But having the support of a carer can lead to improved experience and outcomes for patients and ensures that the care we provide meets their needs.”
“Our support of John’s Campaign sends a clear message that we value the role of carers and the vital part they play in caring for people living with dementia. It complements the open visiting and carers passport that the Trust has already introduced”.
To find out more about John’s campaign visit www.johnscampaign.org.uk
