Agenda item

Dementia Action – Sarah Williams and Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust Dementia Co-ordinator Maggie Depledge will present and show a short video, followed by the opportunity for discussion   

Video: Small changes help make a dementia friendly community - Alzheimer's Society -https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7iD8nH5aMG3am1MakJDam5YTjg/view

Presentations were provided be Alan Young, Dementia Action Alliance and Maggie Depledge, Dementia Co-ordinator for the RUH. A copy of the presentation is included with these minutes and available online.

Questions:

1.  Councillor Rob Appleyard – What additional support is needed to increase the awareness of issues and the profile of dementia?

Response – The RUH does not have designated dementia wards, as patients come through outpatient’s services; we identify the patients and carers who require extra support. Although our staff is our biggest asset we do still heavily rely on volunteers assistance.

2.  Councillor Dine Romero – Is Bath and North East Somerset Council seen to be a dementia friendly local authority? And what more can be done to help people with issues that can prove problematic, for example help with consultations.

Response – There is good support from the Council although we see this as work in progress. There have been good levels of support from Councillors and its leaders. Time is the challenge in society in general; we all have to become more disciplined in dealing with people.     

3.  Councillor Shaun Stephenson-McGall – There are forty-five organisations that are signed up to support your cause, what is the position with the Police, Fire and First Bus?

Response – Public services uptake has been positive and open when approached, we have made contacts with the Police, Fire and First Bus. Some organisations are more of a challenge to get on board; we are a developing organisation and are encouraged by the initial overtures.   

4.  Penny McKissock – Southside is a domestic abuse service that is linked into twenty-four GP surgeries and the RUH A&E. What can refuges do to help?

Response – The service can provide connections and we would be happy to work with you on this.

5.  Jeremy Boss – What steps do we need to take in making Bath a dementia friendly city?

Response – The city approach is a reasonable one although North east Somerset also needs to be included. The aim is for organisations to be enlightened and informed and the people within to be enlightened and informed individuals. Dementia Action Alliance wants to assist all sectors and if anyone requires help they simply need to ask.

6.  Councillor Fiona Darey – In my life every day I have experienced what care and services are available (as a carer). In Somerset I experienced care provision that lacked in information on dealing with situations. The hospital was also in crisis and advice in dealing with diminishing finance issues was lacking. The difference I have witnessed in care provided in B&NES has been brilliant, additionally the Police in both Somerset and B&NES have provided a brilliant experience.  

Response – Families have a great deal to learn and go on an emotional journey; this will include many practical issues that need to be sorted. Having an advanced care plan or a power of attorney in place can help carers. The RUH wards do offer Carers the facilities to be able to stay overnight.