Cause for celebration in dementia care at Dumfries campus

A UNIVERSITY recently celebrated the success of one of its innovative new training programmes. As part of the 2009 Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Awareness Week which ran at the beginning of the month, University of the West of Scotland (Dumfries Campus), NHS Dumfries and Galloway, User and Carer Involvement and Alzheimer Scotland teamed up to host a lunchtime seminar in Browne House at the Dumfries Campus.

The event was a celebration of the success of the Dementia Champions training programme which was developed in partnership with University of the West of Scotland’s Dumfries Campus, NHS Dumfries and Galloway, Alzheimer Scotland and User and Carers Involvement.

This unique training programme was designed to meet the training needs of staff within the acute areas with the overall aim of transforming the care of people with dementia in general hospitals.

The seminar which took place on Wednesday, June 3, was organised by nine Mental Health Nursing students at University of the West of Scotland.

The event attracted over 90 delegates including past and current Dementia Champions and other carers and a range of staff from the University, Alzheimer Scotland, User Carers involvement, NHS and Social Services including academics, student nurses, nurses, occupational therapists, social workers and directors.

Professor David Deakins, Campus Director from University of the West of Scotland chaired the event and Paul Martin, the recently appointed Dean of Faculty of Education, Health and Social Sciences at University of the West of Scotland delivered the opening address which reinforced the importance of working in partnership to help improve the standard of care within our communities.

Henry Simmons, Chief Executive of Alzheimer Scotland delivered an inspiring keynote address on the Personalisation of Care.

He said: “Alzheimer Scotland is delighted to be part of such an innovative and creative partnership in Dumfries and Galloway.

“Today’s event has demonstrated the commitment of all the partners and local professionals to ensure people with dementia and their families have as good a life as possible.

“Together we can make sure no one goes through dementia on their own.”

Ros, a carer in Dumfries and Galloway, also addressed the audience with a touching account of living with the reality of dementia and memory loss.

“Ros spoke openly about her experience of caring for her partner who has dementia and highlighted some of the many challenges facing carers and those in their care.

“Ros is currently training for a fundraising swimming challenge where she hopes to swim from Ailsa Craig to Girvan beach in August to meet her fundraising target of £10,000.

“Anyone who would like to sponsor her can do so online at: www.ailsacraigswimchallenge.moonfruit.com

Alice Wilson, Associate Nurse Director from NHS Dumfries and Galloway brought the seminar to a close by acknowledging the success of the Dementia Champions programme in Dumfries and Galloway by reflecting on the changes in practice throughout the years.

Janice Cluckie, a Dementia Champion, who currently works in Ward 18 at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary has also shared her experience of the Dementia Champions programme. She said: “Initially I felt quite demoralised when I heard the history of complaints and the negative view that some carers had about the service provided.

“However, about half way through the Dementia Champions programme I began to feel more positive and encouraged to improve care provision by making small changes.

“I realised the importance of changing my perception and understanding of those with dementia, improving signage in the wards and increasing communication with the patients, their carers and other staff. I also now understand the importance of knowing more about the patients and their individual likes, dislikes and abilities.”

For further information visit www.userandcarer.co.uk, www.alzscot.org, www.nhsdg.scot.nhs.uk/dumfries or www.uws.ac.uk