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Much needed reassurance and support

Posted By Rafff01

"Much needed reassurance and support"

About: South West Acute Hospital / Emergency Care and Medicine Services South West Acute Hospital / Medical + surgical assessment unit (ward 1) Western Health & Social Care Trust / Dementia companion service

(as a service user),

My dad attended A&E at SWAH on a Monday evening, where we stayed until the early hours of the Thursday morning when a bed became available.

While in A&E my dad became quite agitated and confused, thank you to all the nurses, doctors and support workers who worked with him and took such good care of him, but a special word of thanks has to go Brendan, a Dementia Companion.

Brendan was called to A&E when my dad became agitated and confused.  Brendan sat with my dad, this had a calming effect on my dad, Brendan discussed football and listened to some of my dad's stories and interests while offering much needed reassurance and support. 

My dad was then moved to Ward 1, where he was so well cared for by Nurses, Doctors and staff.  Brendan again called to see my dad while on ward 1, and even brought him outside for a walk around the grounds to enjoy the beautiful sunshine. 

We would like to highlight the great work Brendan does and extend our sincerest thanks to Brendan together with all the SWAH staff who took such great care of our dad, each of you are fantastic at your job and we are all very blessed to have you taking such good care of us and our loved ones.

Thank you.

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Responses

Response from Nicola Hayes, Dementia Service Improvement Lead - Acute & Non Acute, PCOP, WHSCT last month
Nicola Hayes
Dementia Service Improvement Lead - Acute & Non Acute, PCOP,
WHSCT

Submitted on 10/04/2025 at 23:21
Published on Care Opinion at 23:21

picture of Nicola Hayes

Dear Rafff01

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 staff in South West Acute Hospital, “Much needed reassurance and support” and in particular the impact that Brendan, one of our Dementia Companions had on your Dad’s journey throughout the hospital.

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, reminiscence, talking about football and paying attention to his interests 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 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 team that is striving to provide individualised care to people living with dementia while in our acute hospital care settings and their input can 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, which he will be delighted to receive.

Best Wishes

Nicola

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