'˜Dementia-friendly' pilot project nominated for top gong

A pioneering project designed to make Derbyshire GP practices more '˜dementia-friendly' has been nominated for a top award.
Alzheimers Society CEO Jeremy Hughes (centre) visiting Stewart Medical Centre in Buxton with the Dementia Friendly General Practice Pilot team.Alzheimers Society CEO Jeremy Hughes (centre) visiting Stewart Medical Centre in Buxton with the Dementia Friendly General Practice Pilot team.
Alzheimers Society CEO Jeremy Hughes (centre) visiting Stewart Medical Centre in Buxton with the Dementia Friendly General Practice Pilot team.

The Dementia Friendly General Practice Pilot has been selected as a finalist in the Dementia Innovation of the Year category at the annual Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friendly Awards.

The aim of the pilot was to trial a toolkit which would enable Derbyshire GP practices to become more ‘dementia-friendly’ so that visits to the doctors were easier for people with the condition.

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Eight GP practices worked with the Alzheimer’s Society to improve the support they provide to some of the 14,000 people with the condition in the county. More than 300 staff took Dementia Friends information sessions and many practices now have a ‘Dementia Champion’ in place.

The eight GP practices involved were: Stewart Medical Centre, Buxton; Bakewell Medical Centre, Bakewell; North Wingfield Medical Centre, Chesterfield; Crag’s Health Care, Creswell; Brailsford & Hulland Medical Centre, Brailsford; Adam House Medical Centre, Sandiacre; Eden Surgery, Ilkeston; Willington Surgery, Derby.

Dr Justin Walker, from Stewart Medical Centre, said: “Seeing the practice through the eyes of a patient with dementia, or their carers, allowed us to make inexpensive and simple changes which have had a major impact on how they, and other vulnerable groups, access the patient centred care that makes a difference.

“Working in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society has forged strong and ongoing relationships which have promoted mutual support, understanding and communication with ongoing benefits for primary care, the voluntary sector, carers’ groups and patients.”

The winner will be revealed during an awards ceremony in London on Wednesday November 30 at Church House.

To view all the finalists, visit www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementiafriendlyawards.