Over one thousand frontline staff, from housekeeping to senior consultants, across Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, have become Dementia Friends and completed awareness training in support of the Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends campaign.
Chris O’Connor, consultant nurse for dementia at Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “The sessions have been really positive, with feedback from patients and their carers that they feel reassured that staff have an understanding of dementia.”
Dementia Friends are asked to help people who are living with dementia in a variety of ways. At SASH, the aim is to create a dementia friendly organisation so that people affected by dementia feel understood and included. As Dementia Friends, staff have a better understanding of the condition and are able to support patients, visitors and relatives who come into the Trust every day.
Chris O’Connor concluded: “I am delighted that so many of our staff have chosen to become Dementia Friends and know the difference this will make to the people we care for.”
For more information on becoming a Dementia Friend please visit: www.dementiafriends.org.uk
