Dementia patients set to get own A&E ward

Published on Thursday 28 October 2010 12:51

DEMENTIA patients in the Capital would be given their own section of A&E and assigned a personal "social worker" under new plans being considered.

As part of the joint strategy between NHS Lothian and the council, an area of Accident and Emergency at the Royal Infirmary would be set aside for people with conditions such as Alzheimer's to limit the distress they experience while waiting for medical attention.

The social worker, or "advocate", would provide relatives with information, ensure the patient was getting the correct care and act as a solitary point of contact.

The proposals, being contemplated as part of the Lothians' official dementia strategy, have been welcomed by families of patients and charities.

Labour's health spokeswoman in Edinburgh, Councillor Lesley Hinds, who suggested the items be included in the document, said the initiatives were the result of consultation with those affected by the illness.

She told the Evening News: "Having spoken to families with loved ones going through this disease there are two issues that come up.

"It's very difficult going between the council, the NHS, the police, a care home. With an advocate, who I suppose would work a bit like a social worker, it would be a solitary point of contact for everything.

"It would ease the flow of information, and help keep the family in the loop. Having a separate area in casualty is another thing I've been told would have a positive impact."

There are thought to be more than 9000 dementia sufferers in the Lothians. As the population of the Lothians ages and diagnosis improves, that figure is set to rise by 50 per cent over the next 15 years.

Maureen Thom, information manager for Alzheimer Scotland in Edinburgh, said: "Both of these ideas would make a positive impact.

"Hospitals can be a confusing place at the best of times, so for dementia patients it can be very distressing, especially when the ward is busy.

"Dementia patients are often admitted with something not related to the dementia and it can prove challenging for everyone involved. A quiet area with trained nurses would help." She added that a "key worker" for each patient would also improve care. "Dementia often throws up new things and challenges for relatives, and having someone to act as a single point of contact helps," she said.

A spokesman for the partnership said: "We have made great strides in improving services for people with dementia and we are more than happy to consider Cllr Hinds' suggestions."

'It could make a huge difference'

THE family of 79-year-old Janet Moss, a dementia patient, know all too well the challenges the illness brings.

Her son Alistair has had several difficulties in securing her the correct care, having her in the right hospital and finding post-hospital accommodation for her.

He said: "It's hard not knowing who to speak to, never being able to get answers. If there was someone who you dealt with a lot and who knew your situation, that would make a tremendous difference.

"The same applies to the A&E idea. I've been up there with her a few times and you get the impression some of the staff aren't equipped to deal with dementia."