Information for patients and carers
This leaflet can be made available in other formats including large print, CD and Braille and in languages other than English, upon request.
This leaflet tells you about the Community Dementia Liaison Service, who we are, what we offer and how to contact us.
Our service
Our service provides person-centred care to people, families and carers living with dementia in Hartlepool. We put your wishes, preferences and independence at the centre of what we do.
We work alongside other services such as GPs, Intermediate Care teams, Social Services, Community Mental Health and other community services, as well as services provided by the voluntary sector. We also offer advice and support to other healthcare professionals involved in your care.
Our aim is to improve general well-being and quality of life to those at risk of losing their independence, prevent hospital admission and readmission.
Who we are?
Our team combines nursing and occupational therapy expertise to provide specialist support for people living with dementia.
Registered Nurse
Provides specialist advice and support to help manage symptoms, maintain wellbeing, and address physical health concerns. They also offer emotional support to individuals, families and carers.
Occupational Therapist
Supports people to remain independent and engaged in the activities that are important to them. They provide practical advice, recommend equipment and adaptations, and assess how brain changes may be affecting everyday life.
What Do We Offer?
We provide personalised support for people living with dementia and their families and carers.
Assessment and Support
We may offer home visits to assess your individual needs, including how you manage everyday activities and whether equipment or adaptations could help you remain independent at home. We also provide advice on managing symptoms and developing coping strategies.
Planning and Coordination
We can support future care planning, help access care packages, and work with other professionals involved in your care, including GPs, District Nurses, consultants and social services, with your consent. We also help put crisis and contingency plans in place and work to reduce unnecessary hospital admissions.
Memory Matters Clinic
Memory Matters is our weekly appointment-only clinic, held every Thursday, offering specialist advice, assessment, and ongoing support for people living with dementia and their families.
Care Matters Education Sessions
Care Matters is our monthly education programme for families and carers, providing practical information, support, and guidance on living with and caring for someone affected by dementia.
To enquire or register your interest in these sessions, please contact:
Training and Community Education
We provide tailored dementia training for families, carers and healthcare professionals, along with community education sessions to promote understanding and awareness of dementia.
Once a referral has been received, our team will review the information and triage it to determine the most appropriate support. Depending on your needs, you may be offered either a home visit or an appointment at our Memory Matters Clinic.
What We Do Not Do
While we provide specialist advice, assessment and support, our service does not provide:
- Regular planned visits for personal care, such as washing, dressing or toileting.
- Prescribing or administering medication.
- Shopping, domestic tasks or household chores.
- Collection of prescriptions.
- Diagnostic memory assessments or formal dementia diagnosis.
If you require any of these services, we can help signpost or refer you to the most appropriate team or organisation.
Contact numbers
If you need further advice, or have any problems, please contact the appropriate number below:
University Hospital of Hartlepool
Community Dementia Liaison Service
Telephone: 01429 522500
Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (excluding weekends and Bank Holidays)
Email: [email protected]
If you have any worries or concerns, you should contact your GP during normal surgery hours. Outside surgery hours, you should contact your GP’s surgery for the Out of Hours Service number.
Further information is available from:
NHS website
Website: www.nhs.uk
The Bridge Dementia Advisory Service
Provides support and information to help people live well with dementia. It also offers activity and support groups for both the person with dementia and their carers.
Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm
Tel: 01429 868587
Hartlepool Carers
Provide bespoke advice, information and support services, as well as raising awareness of carer’s issues locally, regionally and nationally.
Monday to Thursday 9:00am to 5:00pm
Friday 9:00am to 3:00pm
Tel: 01429 283095
https://www.hartlepoolcarers.org.uk/
Patient Experience Team (PET)
North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you would like to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Team who will help you to do this.
This service is based at the University Hospital of North Tees but also covers the University Hospital of Hartlepool, our community hospitals and community health services.
North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust
Telephone: 01642 624719 / Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Email: [email protected]
Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 4:00 pm
Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard (numbers below).
University Hospital of North Tees
Hardwick Road
Stockton-on-Tees
TS19 8PE
Telephone: 01642 617617
University Hospital of Hartlepool
Holdforth Road
Hartlepool
TS24 9AH
Telephone: 01642 617617
Leaflet reference: PI114 version 1
Date for review: 30 September 2029