2 - dementia health focus talk.jpgHear from the specialist team that cares for patients in hospital living with dementia across Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust at the latest in the Trust’s series of health focus talks.

The range of dementia services offered by the Trust for patients in hospital, families and carers, as well as the ways the team help to keep the patients motivated, will be the subject of the talk, which will take place on Tuesday 14 May at Thornden School, Chandler’s Ford, SO53 2DW. Refreshments will be served from 6pm, with the talk itself beginning at 6.30pm.

The dementia team have set up a range of activities, such as lunch clubs and visits from a magician, to help support patients.

With the help of activities co-ordinator Sue Kelly, magician Ian has been spreading cheer around some of the wards at Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester, performing close up magic to patients. Bringing some magic to the patients day helps to not only break up their day and keep them motivated, but can benefit their visiting relatives too, who can see their loved ones enjoying themselves whilst away from home.

1- dementia health focus talk.jpgAt Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, dementia nurse specialist Jemi Abdul-Salam came up with the idea of the lunch club, with the help of clinical support worker Jo Colston, after they found that elderly patients and those living with dementia often struggle at meal times. The club is already proving to be a success, with patients attending showing an increased appetite. 

The dementia team also support patients in hospital living with dementia and their families through the Carer’s Café, which takes place monthly. Experts are on hand to answer any questions or provide support, as well as meet other carers in similar situations.

Health focus talks are free and an opportunity for patients and the public to hear hospital experts talk about their specialist area of health, meet the Trust’s management team and ask questions.

If you would like to find out more about becoming a member of HHFT, or information about future meetings, visit our website www.hampshirehospitals.nhs.uk.

Everyone can become a member of HHFT, simply by filling out a form available at www.hampshirehospitals.nhs.uk/membership or by picking up a leaflet at one of the Trust’s three hospitals in Andover, Basingstoke or Winchester. You can also come along to the talk and sign up on the day.