Health Board Staff Raise Thousands of Pounds to Support Dementia Patients

Staff from Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board have put their best feet forward to raise funds to support people with dementia in community hospitals across the region.

A number of dedicated Health Board staff marked the end of Dementia Awareness Week by taking part in the gruelling three day 100 mile walk from Wrexham Maelor Hospital to Ysbyty Gwynedd.

In doing so they have raised over £3,000 for the North Wales NHS Charity, Awyr Las, which will help fund activities and additional therapies for patients who have dementia in community hospitals across the region.

The walk was organised by Ronnie Bright to thank NHS staff for the care his late mother received. He said: “My late Mum suffered from Dementia and received really fantastic care at both Wrexham Maelor Hospital and Mold Community Hospital.

“After she died I vowed to do something to give back to the wonderful teams of staff who regularly go above and beyond the call of duty to support people like my Mum.

“I know how important it is to ensure that people living with dementia receive the very best support when they are admitted to hospital, and I’ve seen for myself how donations can fund some of the added extras that go above and beyond what the NHS can provide.”

“This walk has provided a fantastic opportunity to support our local hospitals, and to explore the coastal path.

“We intend to carry on fundraising over the coming months and years, and hope as many people as possible will join us.”

Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board employs a network of Dementia Support Workers in its acute and community hospitals who provide support and guidance to people with dementia and their carers.

Dementia Support Workers also facilitate a number of activities and therapies for patients with dementia in an effort to keep them stimulated during their stay in hospital.