Dementia patients at RD&E Hospital benefiting from new ways of working
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Patients with dementia in Exeter are benefiting from new ways of working at the RD&E Hospital thanks to a pilot assessment service.
An older people’s mental health liaison service, run by Devon Partnership NHS Trust at the RD&E Hospital, identifies and assesses people with memory problems, dementia or other mental health issues who are admitted to acute care for medical reasons.
The pilot began in August 2010 as part of NHS Devon’s dementia awareness strategy and is subject to evaluation.
It aims to ensure that people with dementia experience better outcomes, shorter lengths of stay and prompt transfers of care. It also helps to signpost patients to other services such as support groups.
Dr David Somerfield, a consultant psychiatrist with Devon Partnership NHS Trust who specialises in the care of older people, said:
"We know that we need to have specialist expertise in place to support people with dementia right across the health and social care system.
“This is particularly true in our acute hospitals, where people may have been admitted with any one of a number of physical health needs, but may also have mental health needs, such as dementia.”
He said feedback from families and carers had been positive.
“Our next challenge is to provide enhanced levels of support for people with dementia at Devon's many local community hospitals and we are already making headway with this project,” he said.
Jane Viner, Deputy Director of Nursing at the Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust (RD&E), said: “At the RD&E we are committed to improving our services for patients with dementia.
“Working in partnership with Devon Partnership Trust, this new initiative will allow us to improve our recognition of the condition; ensuring patients are treated more quickly and receive smooth transfer of care.
“We are also working hard to raise awareness, amongst our own staff about the increasing number of patients with dementia who come into our hospital and how the condition affects the individual, their family and carers.”
The south west strategic health authority has developed a set of eight standards (see below) for the care of dementia patients at acute and community hospitals.
All acute hospitals have carried out a self assessment against these standards and are currently drawing up action plans to address gaps.
The 8 standards are as follows:
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People with dementia are assured respect, dignity and appropriate care
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Agreed assessment, admission and discharge processes are in place, with care plans specific to meet the individual needs of people with dementia and their carer
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People with dementia or suspected cognitive impairment who are admitted to hospital, and their carers/families have access to a specialist mental health liaison service
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The hospital and ward environment is dementia-friendly, minimising the number of ward and unit moves within the hospital setting and between hospitals
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The nutrition and hydration needs of people with dementia are well met
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The hospital and wards promote the contribution of volunteers to the well-being of people with dementia in hospital
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The hospital and wards ensure quality of care at the end of life
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Appropriate training and workforce development are in place to promote and enhance the care of people with dementia in general and community hospitals, and their carers/families
