Versha Sood (CAVUHB) and Alison Johnstone (WAST)
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust
Background
- On average, people with undiagnosed dementia are 3 times more likely to attend hospital.
- People with severe dementia will stay in hospital 4 times longer than people without. (Alzheimer’s Society report 2024)
- 35% increase in people living with dementia regionally by 2035.
- 1 in 2 of us will be affected by dementia in our lifetime (either through caring, developing the condition, or both).
Aims and Objectives
- Adaptations to emergency environments to reduce distress and overstimulation
- Mapping the handover process to support smoother transitions between staff
- Increasing awareness and use of biographical tools, such as the Read About Me document in Cardiff & Vale
- Delivering targeted training opportunities to build staff confidence and capability in dementia care
Approach
Outcomes
- Improved Understanding of Patient Experience
- Staff surveys revealed strong support for the biographical.
- Environmental Improvements in Ambulance and Ward Settings
- Expansion of Training Opportunities
- Process Mapping and Collaborative Learning
- Identifying key issues like environmental stressors.
- Clarity on Project Infrastructure and Governance
Conclusions
- Better WAST–ED relationships enable clearer, timely handovers
- Biographical tools help staff provide person-centred care
- Training empowers staff to spot signs of confusion
- ED confirms cognitive issues are addressed and patients moved to dementia-friendly area
