Dementia Care (GP information)
Introduction
The continued service development is led by a Dementia nurse specialist: Sister Yvonne Weldon.
Dementia care at Luton & Dunstable Hospital aims to provide a person centred approach to the person with Dementia when they attend the hospital. We also aim to offer support and relevant sign posting to the carers of people living with dementia.
Many nursing and clinical staff are now trained at an enhanced level and have the skills and knowledge required to manage the needs of the person living with Dementia. The Luton & Dunstable University hospital is proud to be a member of the National Dementia Action Alliance and is developing its services to meet national Dementia friendly requirements and standards.
We do not have a specific Dementia care ward; our aim is to treat individuals in the most appropriate ward/ department for their specific acute health need. We support ‘Johns Campaign’ which is a national campaign allowing the carers of the person with Dementia the right to stay with them. We cannot provide overnight accommodation but we are happy to make the carer as comfortable as possible for as long as they wish to stay at the bedside.
Procedures Provided
Support Offered:
- For in-patients only – Review by the Dementia nurse specialist if required.
- Each ward offers extended visiting rights to the carer ‘Johns Campaign’ a carer’s pass can be issued
- Concessionary parking for carers.
- Carer support – appointments via telephone 01582 497417
- Distraction equipment available on general wards to improve social interaction and well being
- Volunteer support workers to befriend and support (limited service only)
- Access to psychiatric liaison support for advice and assessment.
Clinics
We do not hold Dementia clinics at the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital. All memory and diagnostic clinics are held by community mental health service providers.
Should you have an outpatient clinic appointment you can phone ahead to request a first appointment slot to avoid any delays and possible waiting which can cause distress to the person with Dementia.
Alternatively make your needs known to the clinic clerk when booking into the clinic.
We will do our best to facilitate any special requests.
Links to tertiary centres:
Carers lounge – located in St Mary’s wing on the hospital site
Alzheimer’s society support services – email bedfordshireandluton@alzheimers.org.uk
Carers in Hertfordshire – contact@carersinherts.org.uk
Patient Information Leaflets
Clinicians - Consultants/Specialist Nurses
Dementia Care
Useful Contacts
pals@bedfordhospital.nhs.uk
John.Fitzmaurice@ldh.nhs.uk
PALS@ldh.nhs.uk
Yvonne.Weldon@ldh.nhs.uk