RCN calls for better dementia training for nurses
Published: 16 November 2009
The Royal College of Nursing says it is 'simply unacceptable' for the majority of patients with dementia to leave hospital in a worse condition than when they arrived. The RCN is urging the Government to invest in better dementia training for all health care staff to ensure these patients receive good quality care.
The comments come in response to the publication of an Alzheimer's Society report - Counting the cost - Caring for people with dementia on hospital wards. The report found that people with dementia are staying far longer in hospital than those without the condition who go in for the same treatment, at a cost of hundreds of millions of pounds to the NHS. The report also reveals large, costly variations in the quality of care for people with dementia.
RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary Dr Peter Carter says:
"The financial impact of longer hospital stays is particularly pertinent as the NHS prepares to make savings. Investing in safe and effective staffing levels would improve the experience of patients with dementia, resulting in shorter hospital stays and less cost to the NHS.
Dementia, in the absence of a cure, is likely to affect increasing numbers of people in years to come. All political parties should consider the investment needed to ensure patients with dementia, as well as their families and carers, get the high quality care and support they need and deserve."
The Alzheimer's Society is supporting calls from nurses to be equipped with the right training and tools to carry out their work.
Further information
Counting the cost: caring for people with dementia on hospital wards found:
- 47% of carers said being in hospital had a significant negative effect on the health of the person with dementia
- 54% of carers said being in hospital had a significant negative effect on the person's dementia
- 77% of carers dissatisfied with the quality of dementia care
- 35% of carers complained and 38% would have liked to but didn't
- 36% of people with dementia who go into hospital from living in their own homes are discharged to a care home
- 34% of nurses don't receive enough dementia training
- 54% nurses don't receive any dementia training
- 89% nurses said people with dementia are treated with dignity and respect but 36% of carers said they were not.
Go to the Alzheimer's Society website.