National Audit of Dementia report “extremely worrying” - RCN

Published: 16 December 2011

Responding to today’s National Audit of Dementia report, Royal College of Nursing Chief Executive & General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said:

“It is extremely worrying that two thirds of staff found that their training and development was not sufficient. It is essential that all staff are supported through training, education and leadership so that they able to provide skilled, knowledgeable care to people with dementia.

“Equally, each nurse is personally accountable for their own practice and must act promptly to raise concerns if staffing levels or other pressures are getting in the way of delivering good care.

“The RCN has been leading on a national project about the care of people with dementia for some time and this report echoes our own concerns. We have highlighted an urgent need to improve the experience of people with dementia, who are cared for in general hospitals. Key to this improvement is Trusts employing safe numbers of staff, who are skilled and have the time to care. Evidence shows that patient safety and the quality of care is improved when you have the right numbers and the right skills in place on wards, supported by ward leaders who supervise practice.

“Other key factors in improving care are assessment and early identification of dementia, partnership working with carers, care plans that are person centred and individualised, and ensuring the environment is appropriate with minimal moves.”

Notes for Editors

1. For further information, please contact the RCN Media Office on 020 7647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit  http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media

2. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations