Dementia awareness film for NHS staff

The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust dementia awareness training film to support frontline staff caring for and treating patients with dementia

Staff at The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust have produced a dementia awareness training film to support frontline staff caring for and treating patients with dementia.

Dementia is a term which describes a syndrome which may be caused by a number of illnesses. It results in progressive decline in multiple areas of function, including memory function, communication and the ability to carry out daily activities. The two most common forms of dementia are Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.

According to the National Audit Office, one quarter of people accessing acute hospitals are likely to have dementia and the number with the condition is expected to double over the next 30 years.

The short video, produced in-house and starring the Trust’s own staff, features as an essential dementia awareness training tool for all NHS staff as part of the Trust's induction for all new employees. The video is the first step on a 4-step approach from essential information, through to more specialist knowledge and skills related to dementia awareness and care.

Vic Crumbleholme, associate director of nursing at The Pennine Acute Trust, said:
“Dementia staff training and awareness is a key part of our dementia strategy. Over the past year we have developed a range of training materials and courses for our staff, particularly those who are responsible for patient care and that are based on wards and in clinical areas.

“We are committed to listening to our patients, their families and carers. Working with and involving patients and carers enables us to design services that better meet the needs and expectations of patients with dementia. We continue to work closely with local organisations, which will support us in this work.”

In February 2013, the Trust launched its support of a patient identification scheme to help support patients with dementia. The Forget-Me-Not scheme is part of a wider drive by the government and Department of Health to raise awareness of dementia and change the way that people think about it. Through staff awareness training, staff are taught how to spot the symptoms of dementia and more importantly, how to provide support to those living with the condition whilst they are in hospital.

The video has been produced and created by the Trust’s Learning & Organisational Development department and the E-Learning team and can be found on the Trust’s website and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGasKsWViV0

The Trust is supporting national Dementia Awareness Week 2013 (19-25 May). For more information visit www.alzheimers.org.uk/remembertheperson or join the conversation on Twitter using #TalkDementia