NHFT’s Admiral Nursing Service receives visit from local MP, Mike Reader
NHFT's Admiral Nursing Service has been running for approximately two years, providing critical support to families and carers of those living with Dementia. The service is staffed by a small team of highly trained specialist dementia nurses, including a newly appointed early onset dementia nurse.
This was Mike's first visit to the Trust as an MP, after being welcomed by Deputy Chief Executive Dave Maher, Chief Operating Officer Anne Rackham introduced Mike to colleagues and provided an overview of the work of the Trust, our delivery pathways, our partnerships and our commitment to delivering compassionate patient centred care.
Sophie Jackson, one of NHFT's Admiral Nurses then delivered a presentation highlighting the work of the Admiral Nursing Service over the last year. There are over 9,000 people in Northamptonshire alone, living with dementia aged over 65, and there are likely to be many more undiagnosed or with early onset dementia (under 65). Sophie also explained that 40% of family carers of people with dementia have clinically significant anxiety or depression.
Sophie continued to explain the wider work of Admiral Nurses, not only the work to support families and carers in people's homes, but also running carers groups, supporting next steps groups for those who have just had a dementia diagnosis and also training and upskilling other professionals in services such as palliative care.
Also in attendance was Elaine (not her real name*). Elaine has had support from the Admiral Nursing service after a family member received a diagnosis of early onset dementia. Elaine spoke passionately about her experience with her Admiral Nurse, Sophie Gumbs, who has become like a friend to her. She said she could not have accessed all of the support that she has without the help of her Admiral Nurse.
Elaine went on to explain I've been a parent and done my caring role. I'm now back in a caring role again, it's not what I had expected for my future. It was evident what a huge impact Sophie has had on Elaine's ability to cope and access support.
Mike asked questions about the growth of the service, and how people are referred to the service. Colleagues explained that people with dementia often present with behavioural changes that family and carers notice first, adding that often a patient may already be known to other services such as social services, from whom they are then introduced to Admiral Nursing.
The visit was co-ordinated by Dementia UK, who have been working with hospital Trusts and NHS providers across England to build a network of specialist dementia nurses to provide support to families caring for someone with dementia. James Evans, Public Affairs Officer for Dementia UK supported the visit advocating the need for expansion in life changing services such as this.
The Admiral Nursing Service at NHFT continues to grow, which means more people like Elaine can benefit from much needed support whilst caring for a loved one with dementia.