Weston General Hospital launches support group for people with dementia

The ‘Dementia Support Group’ at the hospital, which is run by Weston Area Health NHS Trust, aims to provide an open forum for people to discuss issues around dementia. Support and advice will also be available, as well as guidance about dementia services at the hospital and in the community. 

The Group at Weston, created and run by staff at the hospital, including its Occupational Therapy team, and with support from Alzheimer’s Society, held its first meeting today at ‘Bob’s Forget Me Not’ memory café. 

Named in memory of a Kewstoke patient, the café, which is located inside the hospital, was especially created in 2014 to be a quiet haven and to bring calm and comfort to patients with dementia. 

There are more than 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK. Last year David Cameron launched a nationwide challenge on dementia with the goal of the UK becoming "the best country in the world for dementia care and support".  

The Trust’s Director of Nursing, Helen Richardson, said: “The creation of a Dementia Support Group is a fantastic idea and is another example of the tireless commitment our staff have towards improving patient care here at Weston.

“We’re pleased to be able to host regular fortnightly meetings at the Trust, and it reaffirms our commitment to providing the best possible care, treatment and ongoing support for people with dementia, their carers and their families. 
“Our first session was really well received. It’s a great opportunity for people living with dementia and their families to get together and share their experiences. I’m confident that the group will provide invaluable help and advice to people who are living with dementia.”

The Group will meet fortnightly at Bob’s Café, Kewstoke Ward, from 14.30-15.30pm, with all those affected by dementia welcome to attend.

Hazel Tillman, Alzheimer’s Society Services Manager for North Somerset said: “One in four hospital beds are occupied by someone with dementia so it is vital that hospitals take initiatives like this to support people with dementia while they stay in hospital. 

“It’s very encouraging to see Weston General Hospital looking at ways to improve the care that people with dementia receive. The new café will offer the opportunity to socialise with others in similar situations and receive vital support. We are very pleased to be working in collaboration to support it.”