RCN welcomes dementia funding

Published: 25 October 2012

The Royal College of Nursing has welcomed an announcement by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt MP, of a £50 million fund to improve the care of people with dementia.

Speaking at the National Children and Adult Services Conference 2012, Mr Hunt said the money would be used to create specially designed wards and care homes for people with dementia.

RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary Dr Peter Carter said: “One of the biggest challenges facing society is dementia. Therefore we very much welcome today’s announcement to help people living with dementia and their families.

“However, this should only be the tip of the iceberg,”  he added. “The RCN wishes to see dementia care given the attention it urgently needs, such as staff being able to spend more time working with and understanding the needs of those with dementia.

“Wards should be adequately staffed by nurses trained in how to deal with dementia to ensure that patients receive the care they deserve. This care needs to extend beyond the hospital, giving families of patients a network of support that they can reach out to when they need it.”

The RCN recently launched new resources to improve the care for people with dementia.