We, at Ashford and St Peter’s NHS Foundation Trust are committed to improving patient experience, and delivering improvements in clinical outcomes.
In doing so we recognise that people with Dementia admitted to hospital have longer lengths of stay (on average twice the length of stay) and are likely to be readmitted. The Alzheimer’s Society, in 2009, highlighted that people with dementia often leave hospital with poorer health and wellbeing than when they arrived, the longer the length of stay the worse the effect on dementia symptoms and physical health.
As the Chief Nurse, I am therefore delighted to offer the foreword on the Dementia Care Strategy for Ashford and St Peter’s NHS Foundation Trust. I have a deep appreciation for the carers, relatives and supporters of those with Dementia that this strategy seeks to support.
Putting patient’s first is one of the 4 key values that underpin our culture and leadership, and is the golden thread in our Trust strategy. The Dementia Strategy will underpin the Trust’s pathways of care for Dementia over the coming years. We have developed this strategy to build on and consolidate the six strategic priorities from 2015. Our vision is divided into the following 4 standards of care:
- Diagnosing Well
- Living and Supporting Well.
- Supporting Carers Well
- Dying Well
These four key themes have provided the foundation on which we will deliver excellence in dementia care on a daily basis and we will seek patient and carer feedback to complement and ensure continued benefit to our patients, their relatives and carers.
This strategy defines how we will be successful within a challenging and changing healthcare environment. Whilst there is much to do, the work will enhance the experience of our patients, their relatives and our staff, having been developed with their involvement and support.
We have come far since 2015 with uniquely designed bays for those with Dementia, memory cafes and supporting carers with a dedicated team being some of the many achievements we have made. The understanding of dementia care at the Trust has increased greatly and by identifying what we need to do next; we can improve on this position yet again.
Chief Nurse
