NHS Humber Health Partnership support for John’s Campaign during Dementia Action Week
NHS Humber Health Partnership is reiterating its support for the national John’s Campaign as part of Dementia Action Week.
John’s Campaign supports the right of family members and carers to stay with people who have dementia when they are in hospital or care settings.
The campaign aims to reduce loneliness by encouraging staff to treat carers as part of the care team, rather than just visitors. It also encourages more flexible visiting, including overnight stays where necessary.
Visiting across inpatient wards at NHS Humber Health Partnership’s five hospitals — Scunthorpe, Grimsby, Hull Royal, Castle Hill and Goole — is mainly from 11am to 8pm.
However, as part of John’s Campaign, relatives and carers of people with dementia are welcomed outside of these hours.
Jackie Fenwick, Senior Nurse for Vulnerabilities, said: “We’re proud to support John’s Campaign and we recognise the vital role carers can play in supporting these vulnerable patients – from the reassurance and familiarity they bring to help motivating patients to eat, drink and mobilise.
“Importantly they are also quick to notice when things are not right, even when a person cannot communicate for themselves.”
The partnership has made a pledge as part of John’s Campaign, recognising the role relatives and carers play in helping to deliver person-centred, safe and effective care.
Its pledge states: “NHS Humber Health Partnership recognises the key role relatives and carers have in helping us to deliver person centred safe and effective care.
“As such we warmly welcome relatives and carers to our hospitals, outside of the usual visiting hours.
“Your participation is an important and an active part in the care and support of people living with dementia.”
According to Alzheimer’s Research UK, there are an estimated 982,000 people living with dementia in the UK.
In Humber and North Yorkshire, 17,018 people are living with a diagnosis of dementia, while in Lincolnshire the figure is 9,048.
It is estimated that 26,929 people are living with dementia in Humber and North Yorkshire, and 12,989 in Lincolnshire.