Hospital worker goes the extra mile for dementia awareness

A popular hospital worker is walking the walk to raise much-needed funds and awareness around dementia and patient care.

For the past seven years radiology clinical assistant at University Hospital of North Durham Diane Waddell has walked a mile a day in May for Dementia UK, which is more than 400,000 steps.

Her efforts have not only raised more than £2,000 over the years for charity, often by also singing and splashing in puddles, but have raised awareness about how best to treat people with vulnerabilities.

Diane, of Stanley, began working for County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust 10 years ago after working in care homes.

“I got the opportunity to work here when I was 51 and it was such a privilege,” she said. “It was a big step for me and I feel really proud. I’ve been passionate about dementia for 35 years and when I first started I was part of the enhanced care observation team helping vulnerable patients on the ward, including those with dementia. I would see to their personal needs and make life easier for the patients, their families and staff.

“When I moved to radiology I took my skills with me and used them when I noticed that, quite often, patients’ anxiety was stopping treatment and they were having to go back to their beds on the ward.

“I can pick up if patients are vulnerable and have extra needs, or are just anxious, and work with them to help them through their scans.

“If they are children I can play with them and help them and their families know what to expect. If, for instance, an elderly lady comes in for a mammogram I can ensure the staff member with her is female.

“Other times it might be someone with a learning disability, an addiction or even a prisoner. So it is all about me and my amazing colleagues reading the person and reading the room as everyone is entitled to a period of reasonable adjustment and to be put at ease. They deserve a good appointment.”

Diane is part of Carers UK and the Trust’s learning disabilities and dementia champions team. She feeds back to the management team on a host of issues that could improve patient care.

This includes anything from making the department more environmentally friendly, colour-coding for the visually impaired, making rooms more child-friendly and less intimidating, recognising people’s anxieties and being kind.

“Staff have been very supportive but it is important to keep working to change everyone’s mindset and working methods,” she said. “I wear a lanyard that says ‘you are safe with me’, but sometimes it is as simple as introducing yourself by offering your hand and smile.”

CDDFT Chief Executive, Steve Russell added: “Diane represents the best of our NHS values through the kindness, compassion and support she shows to patients, families and colleagues every day.

“We are very proud of the difference Diane makes, not only through her fundraising efforts, but through the care and understanding she brings to supporting vulnerable patients across our services.”