The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT), in partnership with Dementia UK, the specialist dementia nursing charity, has introduced a new specialist Admiral Nurse service to support patients living with dementia and their family members.
As specialist dementia nurses, Admiral Nurses help families manage complex needs, considering the person living with dementia and the people around them.
They provide life-changing support and guidance for families affected by all forms of dementia in communities, hospitals and hospices, on the free national Dementia Helpline, and in clinics.
Caroline Ashton-Gough, dementia clinical nurse specialist, has cared for people living with dementia for over five years and will take on the role of Admiral Nurse at PAHT.
Speaking about her new role, Caroline said: “I am delighted to become the first Admiral Nurse at PAHT.
“It is an opportunity to draw upon my experience to further enhance the level of dementia care that we provide, increase the awareness of dementia and establish a formal carers’ support programme that provides one-to-one and group sessions.
“This will also enable me to provide ongoing care and support to patients with complex needs, not only during their hospital stay, but once they have been discharged from hospital too.”
Sharon McNally, chief nurse and deputy chief executive at PAHT, said: “We are pleased to be working in partnership with Dementia UK to offer this new service.
“Caroline’s dedication to improve the quality of life for patients living with dementia is evident through her extremely valuable work and the care that she provides – I know that she will be exemplary in this new role.”
Dr Hilda Hayo, chief Admiral Nurse and chief executive at Dementia UK, said: “The last few years have placed increasing pressure on local services that support families with dementia. This has left many families struggling and unable to cope with no one to turn to for support.
“Admiral Nurses understand the challenges faced by families affected by dementia; they help people with dementia to stay independent for longer and they support the people caring for them so that they have the strength to cope with the bad days and the energy to enjoy the good days. It is critical that we have more Admiral Nurses across acute hospital settings to support those who need it the most.
“We are pleased to welcome Caroline to the Admiral Nurse team and look forward to watching her excel in this role.”
For further information on Admiral Nurses visit Dementia UK’s website >