Patients living with dementia are receiving additional support in the Emergency Department at University Hospital of North Durham (UHND) following the introduction of a new blue wristband initiative.
Blue patient identification wristbands are now issued to patients with dementia at triage, streaming or ambulance handover.
The wristbands act as a clear visual prompt for staff, helping them to quickly recognise that a patient may have additional needs related to their condition.
The initiative is designed to support person-centred care by promoting early recognition, improving communication and ensuring patients receive the appropriate support throughout their time in the Emergency Department.
Sharon Hoadley, Sister in the Emergency Department, said: "People living with dementia often have additional needs, particularly in the busy environment of an Emergency Department. By strengthening our focus on dementia care, we aim to ensure that patients, their families and carers feel supported throughout their time with us.
"We feel that by strengthening the focus of dementia care within the department, patients, families and friends will feel more effectively supported, with a continued focus on compassion, dignity and respect tailored to meet each patient's specific needs."
The blue wristbands are intended to enhance the care already provided by making it easier for colleagues across the department to identify patients who may benefit from additional reassurance, clear communication and personalised support.
Following the successful introduction in the Emergency Department at UHND, the blue dementia wristbands will also being introduced in other clinical areas across County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.
The long-term ambition is to roll out the initiative across the Trust, helping to ensure patients living with dementia receive consistent, compassionate and person-centred care wherever they are treated.
The initiative reflects the Trust's ongoing commitment to improving the experience of patients living with dementia and supporting their families and carers with care that is tailored to their individual needs.
