"Treated my dad with dignity, respect and compassion"

Dear Gertie 123

My name is Nicola Hayes and I am the Dementia Service Improvement Lead for the Acute Hospitals.

Thank you for taking the time to post this story about the care your Dad received from the Dementia Companions in Ward 7, SWAH – “Treated my Dad with dignity, respect and compassion”.

Person centred care is paramount within dementia care and this has been evidenced throughout your shared experience. Engaging your Dad in meaningful activities such as singing, reminiscence and laughing are all so important for someone living with dementia. Not only does it have a meaningful impact on their dementia journey, but also throughout a hospital admission, which I know can be difficult for patients and their families.

I am equally delighted to hear that Brendan, Jane and Clare provided care that showed dignity, respect and compassion towards your Dad and hopefully improved your Dad’s hospital experience.

The Dementia Companion Team is a relatively new service within the WHSCT and has been expanding throughout this year. It is a team that is striving to provide individualised care to people living with dementia while in our acute hospital care settings. Brendan, Jane and Clare certainly do make a huge difference for our patients.

May I thank you again for taking the time to share your experience with us on Care Opinion.

Your feedback is very welcome to ensure safe, effective, compassionate and well led care is delivered and I will share this story with Brendan, Jane and Clare, which they will be delighted to receive.

Best Wishes

Nicola

Dear Gertie 123,

Thank you so much for taking the time to post a story about the care your Dad received from the Dementia Companions in Ward 7, SWAH 'Treated my Dad with dignity, respect and compassion'.

Brendan, Jane and Clare are a vital part of our team in Ward 7. Helping your Dad engage in meaningful activities such as singing, reminiscing and laughing is important for a person with dementia. These activities are especially important when your Dad was in hospital for a considerable length of time. Being in Hospital can be a difficult and distressing time for patients and families. Especially for patients with dementia who are in an unfamiliar surrounding in an acute hospital. So it is important to know that we are delighted to hear that Brendan, Jane and Clare provided care that showed dignity, respect and compassion towards your Dad.

The companionship our dementia companions provide make a huge difference to the experience of our patients. Thank you again for taking the time to share your experience with us on Care Opinion. Your feed back is very welcome and I will share this with Brendan, Jane and Clare.

Best wishes

Ann