Dementia Action Week

At least 10% of our patients are living with dementia or a memory problem. We have been working hard over the last few years to improve the care we provide to patients living with dementia.

This has included:

• enhanced training (95% have now completed the Tier 1 dementia awareness training for all staff and volunteers, regardless of their role)
• becoming the first English ambulance trust to sign up to John’s Campaign which supports the role of carers
• a new fleet of Patient Transport Service (PTS) dementia-friendly vehicles with music therapy, improved lighting and contrasting features
• launching of the Carer Support Group to bring together staff with unpaid caring responsibilities to influence policy changes and provide vital peer support.

With a sustained drop in dementia diagnosis rates, the Alzheimer’s Society, is asking the public to think about those who might be living with undiagnosed dementia, and helping them come forwards for guidance and support, to help them feel empowered to take the next step. 

The society is encouraging those who are worried about dementia to use its Royal College of GP’s accredited symptoms checklist. It is also offering practical advice on what to expect during and after the diagnosis process.

The society wants to encourage those who might be living with undiagnosed dementia to:

• understand and recognise potential dementia symptoms
• come to Alzheimer's Society for guidance and support
• feel empowered to take their next step
• improve the diagnosis process for both them and healthcare professionals.