Improving dementia care through special champions programme
There have never been more dementia champions across the trust – thanks to a successful training programme.
This year a further 65 staff members have been trained by dementia specialist nurse Stephen Nicholson and community dementia nurse Janette McGuire on their special two-day course.
It has now been running for almost four years and has helped train nearly 300 staff from across the organisation.
The course, supported by Health Education England, includes training around communication, understanding, and supporting patients who are living with dementia.
Stephen said: “I am so proud of everyone who has taken part this year.
“Each group has brought something different and – although we always try to change some of the content to the members of that particular group – one thing doesn’t change and that’s the commitment and passion of our staff to improve the care of people living with dementia.
“I would like to thank the staff that have attended, and the areas from which they work that have supported them to take time out of their busy work.
“I would also like to thank the guest speakers that play such an important part (clinical care co-ordinator Kath Tarn, the chaplaincy team, pharmacists Jess Purkiss and Louise Ferguson among others) for their continued support.
“I always enjoy delivering the course – it is something I am very proud of.
“Well done to all of the class of 2019! We will be back in 2020!”
And staff who have been on the course this year are full of praise for it.
Manual handler Chris Ferguson:
“After completing the course, it encouraged me to change my approach to teaching staff manual handling training.
This then gave staff an insight into why challenging behaviour can escalate during manual handling. Also ways to change their approach to complete new techniques to reduce patients’ anxiety levels and create a safer outcome for themselves and patient. The course gets an A+++ from me”
Specialist podiatrist Leanne Barnard:
“What a fantastic two days I had on the dementia course. I learned so much! Best course I have ever been on. You are a credit to the profession!”