PATIENTS living with dementia can be sure of a better experience in Basildon Hospital after a week of events to raise awareness about the condition for staff and visitors.
With nearly 1,000 dementia friends signed up to Alzheimer’s Society’s scheme, run within the Trust by Jane Gilby the lead dementia nurse.
The milestone is just one way in which dementia awareness week was celebrated, with fun events such as a sing-a-long with the BTUH Choir, selling crocheted butterflies and special dementia friends sessions including one for members of the public, one at Orsett Hospital and one at Basildon Police Station.
There were also more information giving events including, carer’s information via the Basildon Hospital Library, a meet the team event for patients, carers and visitors to meet experts (see photos below) and finishing with an exclusive showing of Inside Out of Mind, a special film made about dementia within the NHS on Saturday (21 May).
Meet the Team event on Wednesday 18 May – pic on left is of the ‘experts’ from Thurrock Social Services, Peacful Place, Home Instead and Mountnessing Court. Pic on right is of the event in action.
Jane said: “It’s been a fantastic week raising awareness of dementia and recognising the support for the work the Trust is doing for those patients living with the disease.
“I’m so pleased to have almost hit the 1,000 dementia friend mark. The more awareness we can raise about dementia, the more understanding, patient and compassionate we will become as a society. Dementia affects 1 in 14 people over the age of 65. It’s something most people will have first-hand knowledge of.
“I also want to thank Christine Pearcy who has helped raise over £400 in just two days for the Trust’s Butterfly Appeal, by selling hand crocheted butterflies she had made to sell. And with more being sold.”
To find out more about dementia and becoming a dementia friend, visit https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/.
