Tuesday 11 April 2023
Bailiwick of Guernsey families affected by dementia to benefit from new dementia specialist Admiral Nurse service
Following a successful recruitment campaign in collaboration with Dementia UK, the specialist dementia nursing charity, Health and Social Care is pleased to announce the launch of a new Admiral Nurse Service to support families affected by dementia in the Bailiwick of Guernsey.
The States of Guernsey and Dementia UK have been working in collaboration since early 2021 to establish this new Admiral Nurse service, after additional needs were identified in the Dementia Pathway in the Bailiwick of Guernsey. Alongside supporting the development of this pivotal service, Dementia UK has also supported with part funding the service for an initial period.
The addition of this much needed Admiral Nurse service strengthens and compliments the current dementia pathway and provides specialist support within the locality for people with dementia and their families/carers who are experiencing the complexities of dementia.
Taking on the role of Admiral Nurses are Colette Bonner and Michelle Tennant who will be supporting families affected by dementia across the Bailiwick.
Admiral Nurses are specialist dementia nurses who are continually supported and developed by Dementia UK, to provide life-changing support for families affected by all forms of dementia. They work on the free national Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline, face-to-face and virtual clinics, and in the community, in GP practices, hospitals and care homes.
Dementia is a huge and growing health crisis and is the leading cause of death in the UK. Every three minutes, someone in the UK develops dementia.
Maisie Ogier, Area Business Development Manager at Dementia UK, said:
"The last few years have placed increasing pressure on local services that support families with dementia. This has left many families unable to cope with no one to turn to for support.
"We are so pleased to be working with the States of Guernsey to ensure that families affected by dementia in the Bailiwick can access the specialist support provided by this new Admiral Nurse service."
Sian Ogier, Associate Director Specialist Mental Health and Adult Disability Services, said:
"We are delighted to be able to launch this specialist service in Guernsey. We have recruited two Admiral Nurses, Colette Bonner and Michelle Tennant, to provide this new service.
"Most people with dementia live at home and express their choice to remain there as long as possible. Admiral Nurses offer families reassurance, understanding and a listening ear that helps them feel more in control."
Colette Bonner, Admiral Nurse said:
"We will work with the families, to holistically support them and the individual living with dementia, to accomplish their choices and wishes as they progress through their journey."
The referral pathway is an open referral system, whereby families and carers supporting people living with dementia who have complex needs can self - refer by telephoning the Admiral nurse service on 01481 224272.
Referrals will also be accepted from charities such as the Guernsey Alzheimer's Association, friends, neighbours, GPs or other health care professionals
