Prestigious award recognises Welsh Ambulance Service for its dementia programme

The Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust has received a prestigious award for its dementia programme.

Following talks with people affected by dementia, the service changed the way it responds to and supports people with the condition during emergencies.

The service introduced innovative solutions including software on a tablet where staff can encourage engagement through music, sensory activities, games and film.

Last month the Trust received a Dementia Hero Award for Professional Excellence (Organisation) in recognition of its work helping people who live with dementia.

The ceremony, hosted by Alzheimer’s Society supporter and Good Morning Britain newsreader, Marverine Cole, was attended by nearly 200 guests

Alison Johnson of the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust said: “Diolch, thank you, I am absolutely delighted to be here representing Wales and all the wonderful dementia focussed work that the Welsh Ambulance Service has done over the last few years.

“I brought a good few people from Wales with me today, so they could be here to celebrate. Thanks to them really, this award is about coproduction and participation, hence why I brought so many people with me, they are the voice of our service, they are the ones that are driving this work. So, I’m just absolutely delighted that we can share together in this celebration.”

The Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust recognised that an unfamiliar environment can be stressful and cause people with dementia additional challenges.

Dementia groups told the service, people living with the condition get very stressed by noises and flashing lights causing sensory overload. They need assistance with steps and help with navigation and would like staff to be reassuring and communicate what they are doing.

One of the solutions included the RITA (Reminiscence Interactive Therapy Activities) tablet, in partnership with My Improvement Network. This allows staff to engage with patients, asking about their likes and dislikes and identify appropriate activities. Staff can support patients and carers on long journeys and delays outside hospital or those who just require distraction due to boredom, confusion or pain.

It was reported that a patient with mixed dementia and a hip fracture used the 360° coral reef on the tablet, as a distraction, all the way to hospital without needing pain relief.

A second patient remained calm while listening to hymns and, due to a delay, a third patient spent five hours in the ambulance playing games and listening to the music, which brought back fond memories while they sang along remembering most of the words.

Kate Lee CEO at Alzheimer’s Society said: “I’m really proud of all our winners in this year’s Dementia Hero Awards.

“It’s been so inspiring to hear the stories of people, groups and organisations across the UK going the extra mile. Every single nominee deserves a platform in recognition of their hard work and commitment to helping and involving people living with dementia.

“One in three people born today will develop dementia in their lifetime. Alzheimer’s Society provides help and hope to people affected by dementia and we won’t rest until people living with dementia and their carers live more fulfilled and less fearful lives, free from stigma and inequality.

“We can’t do it alone, that’s why change makers like our Dementia Heroes are so vital.”