Teesside Hospice and Dementia UK have joined forces to launch a new Admiral Nurse Service.
The hospice has appointed Jean Wooldridge as a dedicated specialist dementia Admiral Nurse to provide holistic, relationship-centred care to people living with dementia and to their families and carers. The role will also see her supporting best practice in dementia care as well as strengthening local families’ care pathways following a change in circumstances.
Commenting on the role, Jean said:
“The launch of Teesside Hospice’s Admiral Nurse Service is important to highlight the specialist service that we can now provide to people living with dementia and to explain the many ways through which we can educate and offer support; whether that’s to families and carers or to other professionals across Teesside.
“The role combines two of my greatest passions: dementia care and end of life care. It involves helping families to stay connected, supporting them through the difficult times and allowing them to still find ‘moments of joy.’ These moments stay with families and can help to ease the sadness when someone dies – and I can continue to be there to support them in their bereavement.”
Jean’s role as an Admiral Nurse means that she receives support from Dementia UK and regularly networks with other Admiral Nurses to share information and ideas. The hospice is also able to offer dementia education and is keen to further develop its needs-led service with the valuable support of Dementia UK, so that more people across Teesside can access personalised care, advice and support to meet their needs as individuals.
According to Projecting Older People Population Information System (POPPI) there are 1,581 people in Middlesbrough and 2,038 people in Redcar and Cleveland now living with dementia.
Dr Hilda Hayo, Chief Admiral Nurse and Chief Executive Officer for Dementia UK, said:
“End of life care in cases of dementia can take a huge toll on families psychologically, emotionally and financially. This new service with Teesside Hospice will be essential in providing support for families in need. Healthcare professionals will also be able to access Jean’s expertise, paving the way for best practice in dementia care.
“We are honoured to have Jean as an Admiral Nurse and we look forward to hearing about the impact she will have in the region.”
The service will officially launch at an event at the hospice on January 31.
For more information visit Teesside Hospice
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