AQW 15749/17-22
Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast
Tabled Date: 03/03/2021
Answered On Date: 18/03/2021
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 12943/17-22, what consideration his Department is giving to a Dementia-Friendly Hospitals Charter, as is already in effect in some NHS Trusts, as part of the recovery plan after the completion of the vaccination programme.
Answer:
Developing Dementia friendly environments across all health and social care facilities, business premises and in public spaces has been a key objective of the Health and Social Care system for some time. A Dementia Service Improvement Lead with responsibility for the development of better dementia care in hospitals has been appointed in each of the 5 HSC Trusts. These staff have unfortunately had to be redeployed in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, prior to the outbreak of the virus, Trusts were working to improve dementia care in hospitals through: The implementation of recommendations from the Dementia Care in NI Hospitals Audit; The implementation of John’s Campaign which aims to extend the rights of people with a dementia to have family carers remain with them throughout their time in hospital; and The introduction of schemes that help clinicians identify people with a dementia on a ward and ensure that care plans are fully implemented and appropriately shared to ensure safe, effective and consistent care. These issues will be picked up again as the Health and Social Care system recovers from Covid-19. There have also been a number of other developments in relation to dementia. These include: The appointment of 44 Dementia Companions in total across all 5 HSC Trusts. These staff provide support to people with a dementia during their hospital stay. On a busy ward, Companions help create a dementia friendly environment, provide reassurance, practical and emotional support and stimulation thus reducing stress and behaviours which carers find difficult to understand; and A Dementia Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) which is a virtual communication system enabling participants (clinicians / professional staff) to link and share knowledge and best practice. The HSCB Regional Dementia Lead, in collaboration with the Dementia Service Improvement Leads and Trust Leads, has developed a comprehensive Service Improvement Plan for dementia care in hospitals. The HSCB and Trusts have also developed a Post Covid-19 Service Recovery Plan. The Dementia Service Improvement Leads (Hospitals) are already working on the Recovery Plan objectives and should return to their substantive post in the near future when they will be able to focus on the larger service improvement agenda. As yet, there is not a standard evaluation or certification process for ‘Dementia Friendly Status’ for hospitals or areas within Northern Ireland, but this is something we are seeking to develop.
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