Altnagelvin first NI hospital to become dementia friendly

The Western Health Trust today launched its “Dementia Friendly Hospital” project at Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry.

The project is part of the regional Dementia Friendly Communities Initiative being led by the Alzheimer’s Society and Altnagelvin is the first hospital in Northern Ireland to sign up to the initiative.

The number of people in the North with dementia is steadily increasing.

In recent years it has been estimated that 19,765 people are living with dementia in Northern Ireland, and with this figure set to increase to 60,000 by the year 2051, it is a priority that dementia care is optimised in all settings.

Attending the launch, Alan Corry Finn, Director of Primary Care and Older People’s Services at the Western Trust said the provision of “high quality” personalised care for patients with dementia was “a challenge” for hospitals and hospital staffs.

He added: “In the Western Trust we are determined to see the continued improvement of patient care and experience.

“Being in hospital can be a very distressing and disorientating time for someone with dementia and they can sometimes find it difficult to express their needs or even understand what is being said to them.

“This project will aim to help deliver the best possible care and support for people with dementia and their carers whilst in hospital.

“This will be achieved by ensuring that all staff within the hospital are aware of and have an understanding of dementia.

“At least one quarter of our hospital beds are occupied by people with a dementia diagnosis alongside another physical condition.”

He concluded: “Our staff play a pivotal role in recognising the needs of dementia patients and tailoring their care to meet such needs”.