Clin

ical

Mat

ron

sStroke & Older People’s Services

Presentation to Health Scrutiny Panel

Thursday 26 March 2009

Jeanette Power-Jepson, Clinical Matron David Broughton, Clinical Director

Anne Sutcliffe, Deputy Director of Nursing & Patient Safety

Clin

ical

Mat

ron

sWhat tools/processes does the Trust have at its disposal to assess older patients who may display symptoms of dementia?

• Physical Assessment

• Recognised Mini Mental State Exam Tool

• Mood assessment tool

• Trust G52 Policy – observation policy

Clin

ical

Mat

ron

sWhere applicable, is the Trust informed when a patient has a diagnosed Dementia?

• From GP letter

• Previous medical notes

• Patients Relatives/ Carers

• However not always a robust system

Clin

ical

Mat

ron

sWhat sort of Dementia awareness training do staff on the wards have particularly on those wards where a significant proportion of patients will be in the older category?

• Dementia awareness training since 2006

• Introduction of NVQ mental health

• Support from Teesside University to deliver mental health awareness training sessions

• In service training with Medical Staff

Clin

ical

Mat

ron

sWhat use do wards make of liaison staff?

• High demand for support from liaison staff

• Provide assessment service

• Provide educational support to staff and patients needs

• Identify appropriate discharge arrangements

Clin

ical

Mat

ron

sDoes the Trust have a systematic discharge procedure for patients with Dementia? How are carers involved in the discharge process?

• Process for referral to Older People’s Mental Health Team

• Relatives/ Carers involved with this process

• Communication with Medical/ Nursing/Occupational /Physiotherapy/ Social Worker/ Trust Discharge Team

Clin

ical

Mat

ron

sIs the Trust satisfied with the way it deals with patients with Dementia?

• Trust recognise the need to continually monitor care and implement new guidance.

• Continue to work in partnership with mental health and social care colleagues

• Further develop the pathway for patients with mental health needs for elective and emergency care

• Currently collecting information to identify the number of patients who access our services

• Develop a working group led by Clinical Matrons in Elderly to include service users and health and social care representatives.

• Support the delivery of the Dementia strategy