Government strategy celebrates the difference nurses make to people with dementia

The Department of Health has introduced a new nursing strategy which celebrates the unique contribution nurses make to the lives of people with dementia.

‘Making a Difference in Dementia’, which was launched at the Healthcare Innovation Expo last month, was developed by stakeholders from a variety of organisations, including the NHS.

The strategy has been introduced to ensure all people with dementia have access to the best, compassionate care and support from all nurses - including community nurses, midwives, mental health nurses and dementia specialists - and their teams.

It will support the Prime Minister’s Dementia Challenge, which was launched last year to help tackle the condition, by raising the profile of the wider nursing contribution. It will also describe what is expected of all nurses to meet the level and quality of care expected in all settings.

Pauline Watts, the Department of Health’s nurse lead for dementia care, said: “Dementia is every nurse’s business. With a change in mindset, practice, commissioning and education, nurses can make a real difference to people living with dementia, their carers and families.”