Lack of dementia care training for hospital staff is 'shocking'
12:15 - 19/12/2011
Lack of dementia care training for ho...
A review has found that hospitals in England and Wales need to make significant improvements in the way they care for patients with dementia.
The National Audit of Dementia, conducted by the Royal College of Psychiatrists, found that, although services are generally safe, there are serious issues surrounding communication with family members and personal care for patients.
The audit, which is the first of its kind, inspected 210 hospitals and surveyed 2,211 staff. It found that less than a third of staff felt that they had received sufficient training in dementia care, despite the fact that a quarter of all hospital beds are currently occupied by dementia sufferers.
Patients with dementia, admitted into hospital for other conditions, tend to fare worse than other patients with the same condition. The report explains that many hospitals fail to get patients access to specialist services or prepare for their discharge from hospital by co-ordinating with local community services. Basic planning arrangements and help with everyday activities such as eating were also found to be lacking in some settings.
The report makes a number of recommendations for improvements in care but also acknowledges that many hospitals are already taking steps to improve treatment for patients with dementia.
Dr Mike Crawford, one of the authors of the report, says: “The first thing we need is for all staff working on general medical wards to get basic training in dementia and we think that each ward should have at least one member who’s had a high level of training.”
Dr Peter Carter from the Royal College of Nursing agrees: “It’s really quite shocking that most of the staff who are working with people with dementia have had no specialist training.” He went on to say that staffing levels and training needed to be addressed promptly.
First Response Training offer basic training in Dementia care. Clients can choose between a 3 hour Dementia Awareness training session or a more in-depth full day course. First Response have also previously delivered training in Managing Challenging Behaviour in Dementia.
Perry Leeks, Managing Director at First Response, says: “People who have dementia are among the most vulnerable people in our society, so it is important that they receive high quality care and proper treatment.
“There are around 750,000 people with dementia in the UK, and this figure is expected to rise to over 1 million by 2021. Added to this is the fact that over 60% of people living in care homes have a form of dementia. Therefore it is truly vital that anyone involved in the provision of health and social care services has a good understanding of the condition and the proper skills to provide a sufficient level of support for individuals.”
First Response are offering Dementia Awareness and one other 3 hour care training course, to be delivered on the same day, for a maximum of 12 delegates, for just £395 + VAT throughout January. To take advantage of this special offer, please call freephone 0800 310 2300 today.
Offer is valid throughout January only, and is subject to availability
The National Audit of Dementia, conducted by the Royal College of Psychiatrists, found that, although services are generally safe, there are serious issues surrounding communication with family members and personal care for patients.
The audit, which is the first of its kind, inspected 210 hospitals and surveyed 2,211 staff. It found that less than a third of staff felt that they had received sufficient training in dementia care, despite the fact that a quarter of all hospital beds are currently occupied by dementia sufferers.
Patients with dementia, admitted into hospital for other conditions, tend to fare worse than other patients with the same condition. The report explains that many hospitals fail to get patients access to specialist services or prepare for their discharge from hospital by co-ordinating with local community services. Basic planning arrangements and help with everyday activities such as eating were also found to be lacking in some settings.
The report makes a number of recommendations for improvements in care but also acknowledges that many hospitals are already taking steps to improve treatment for patients with dementia.
Dr Mike Crawford, one of the authors of the report, says: “The first thing we need is for all staff working on general medical wards to get basic training in dementia and we think that each ward should have at least one member who’s had a high level of training.”
Dr Peter Carter from the Royal College of Nursing agrees: “It’s really quite shocking that most of the staff who are working with people with dementia have had no specialist training.” He went on to say that staffing levels and training needed to be addressed promptly.
First Response Training offer basic training in Dementia care. Clients can choose between a 3 hour Dementia Awareness training session or a more in-depth full day course. First Response have also previously delivered training in Managing Challenging Behaviour in Dementia.
Perry Leeks, Managing Director at First Response, says: “People who have dementia are among the most vulnerable people in our society, so it is important that they receive high quality care and proper treatment.
“There are around 750,000 people with dementia in the UK, and this figure is expected to rise to over 1 million by 2021. Added to this is the fact that over 60% of people living in care homes have a form of dementia. Therefore it is truly vital that anyone involved in the provision of health and social care services has a good understanding of the condition and the proper skills to provide a sufficient level of support for individuals.”
First Response are offering Dementia Awareness and one other 3 hour care training course, to be delivered on the same day, for a maximum of 12 delegates, for just £395 + VAT throughout January. To take advantage of this special offer, please call freephone 0800 310 2300 today.
Offer is valid throughout January only, and is subject to availability
Make your selections below and enter your postcode (if applicable). This will provide you with information about a course in a location convenient to you
