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News & Media

Media Release

Date: 20 April 2016

RUH reputation for 'inspirational' dementia care reaches Europe

Twenty dementia specialists from all over Germany describe dementia care at the Royal United Hospitals Bath as inspirational.

The dementia specialists – nurses, physicians, psychiatrists, matrons and managers - visited the RUH from the Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH (Robert Bosch Foundation), to find out how we provide exemplary dementia care in an acute hospital setting.

They heard, then saw, how the 'whole' hospital approach to dementia care works in practice, and then met with staff to hear more about the dementia care we provide at the RUH. Of particular interest was the way different professions worked together to provide holistic care for the patients, and the design of the wards to make it easy and friendlier for the patients with dementia.

Jonathan Willis, Ward manager on the much-lauded Combe ward, which has received national recognition for the quality of care older people receive, many of whom have some form of dementia or cognitive impairment, arranged the visit.

Jonathan said: "We were delighted to be sharing our expertise with such a prestigious group. The delegates met with representatives from many of the teams across the hospital who have an involvement in dementia care; clinicians, nurses and therapists, scientists and design engineers, staff from mental health, staff who constantly monitor the patient experience, and those who look after the physical environment; everyone had expertise to share with the Robert Bosh Foundation representatives. The room was buzzing with conversations and the exchange of ideas. It was a hugely successful visit."

Christian Müller-Hergl from the Robert Bosch Stiftung described the care at the RUH as inspirational: "We were all impressed with the enthusiasm and welcome that we received from the staff at the Royal United Hospital. It was interesting to understand the multidisciplinary approach that the hospital has to dementia care and to see how the view of every individual in the teams is given equal value. There are many ideas that we can take back with us which can be used to improve dementia care."

ENDS
Notes to the Editor:

The Robert Bosch Foundation, is one of the leading private foundations of Europe, known for its promotion of natural and social sciences, including public health and science, education, society and culture, and international relations. The group is visiting a few other UK hospitals, and the Royal College of Nursing, to see how dementia care is provided in an acute hospital setting.

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