Hospital backs dementia campaign

West Middlesex University Hospital is backing a dementia-friendly campaign. The hospital has introduced more flexible arrangements for carers visiting their loved ones who have dementia. 

The move is in support of John's Campaign, launched two years ago by a London carer who faced restricted hospital visiting times to see her father, who had dementia. 

A 'carers pass' has been introduced which enables people to visit patients outside of normal hours. 

Cathy McCann, Older Adults Specialist Intervention Services (OASIS) Lead Specialist Nurse, said: "It's carers who know all the small but important things about a patient which can ultimately make such a big difference to the quality of their care, from knowing what they find calming to what they do and don't like to eat. 

"We already have a number of programmes in place to support patients with dementia including recently refurbished dementia-friendly wards which are designed to make the hospital environment less unsettling for patients with dementia or delirium. 

"Through backing this important campaign, it helps us to put in place additional steps towards improving people's experiences whilst in our care." 

If you are the carer for a patient in one of our adult wards please ask the staff for more information on John’s Campaign and how to obtain a Carers Pass.