New appeal to help patients with dementia in our hospitals

York Teaching Hospital Charity have launched a new appeal this month to raise £200,000 which will help patients living with dementia during their stay in our hospitals. 

The charity want every person suffering with dementia – and those with other mental health conditions – to leave our hospitals as fit and healthy as possible, rather than experience a decline in their condition that can happen when a person is in an unfamiliar environment for a length of time.

It is estimated that 850,000 people are living with dementia in the UK and one is six people over the age of 80.  With an aging population, the demand on our hospitals to provide a dementia friendly environment and specialised care is only going to increase.  

Emma George, Assistant Director of Nursing at York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and the lead for dementia care said, “We already have some fantastic support in place for people living with dementia when they are admitted into our hospitals – we have open visiting hours for carers which is part of the John’s Campaign initiative and amazing volunteers, called dining companions, who help support patients during meal times where possible. We have also recruited dementia volunteers to offer support to patients and carers and have dementia champions on various wards across the organisation. 

Additional small changes across the trust will have a big impact on the experience of patients and their families and all the money raised through the appeal will make them possible.”

The appeal will fund new equipment and projects that will revolve around the everyday work of our hospitals to make sure they quickly deliver benefits for patients and their families, carers and friends.

Lucy Clegg, Fundraising Manager at York Teaching Hospital Charity said, “We’re encouraging everyone to get involved with the appeal as dementia is a condition that could affect us all personally or through a family member or friend.  You can donate to the appeal directly, hold your own fundraising event to help us reach the target or take on a sponsored challenge.

“Across each hospital we want to supply patients with activities while they are in hospital; things like memory boxes full of vintage cards, photos and games that will all help to stimulate their early memories. 

“We’d also like to buy some special computer systems designed specifically for people living with dementia to use on the wards as well as make changes to the patients’ environment to make the area as comfortable as possible by installing special clocks, lighting and coloured toilet seats which will reduce confusion and stress.  At Bridlington Hospital we would also like to refurbish the day room on the Johnson Ward to make it dementia friendly for patients and visitors.”

22 March 2017