Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals’ (WHH) dedicated Dementia Team have received a national award at the annual Dementia Care Awards.
The team, who deliver care on the hospital’s Dementia Ward, the Forget Me Not Unit, were presented with the ‘Outstanding Dementia Care Team’ award at a special ceremony held at Cutlers’ Hall, Sheffield. The accolade recognises the commitment of the multidisciplinary team to deliver high quality person-centred care in an environment that promotes wellbeing and positive outcomes for patients.
The judges commended the team for their innovative approach to challenging the boundaries and restrictions to make a difference for patients receiving care, commenting on the ‘breathtaking passion and dedication’ shown by the team.
Ali Kennah, Chief Nurse at WHH, said: “We are extremely proud of the team’s hard work and dedication to deliver outstanding person-centred care. As a Trust we are committed to providing the highest quality of care for people living with dementia and it is fantastic to see the pioneering practice on the unit recognised nationally.”
Since opening in May 2014, the unit has transformed the way acute hospital care is provided for patients living with dementia. The ward provides a welcoming and stimulating environment, with state-of-the-art design principles and innovative features to help minimise the clinical feel.
Lauren Hanson, Dementia Nurse Consultant, said: “It is an honour to receive this award and I am so proud of the team. It is a true reflection of the passion and commitment the team have to develop and sustain an environment that is warm, welcoming and engaging that delivers positive patient outcomes.”
Deborah Hammond, Matron, said: “This year marks 10-years since the opening of the Forget Me Not Unit, and it is such a fantastic achievement to receive this award in the same year. I am so proud of the team and is in an honour to have led them for the last 10-years. Their hard work, dedication and passion for working in different ways to benefit our patients living with dementia is outstanding.”
The team work closely with patients and their families and carers to involve them in their care, with regular activities to create a supportive learning environment for all, as well as developing how their individual care is delivered. The team have also developed a number of Trust-wide initiatives to truly embed best practice, in addition to providing community support at the Living Well Hub in the town centre.
