Improving Dementia Care in Leeds Hospital Emergency Departments

New pilot aims to enhance support for dementia patients in A&E

Leeds Teaching Hospitals sees around 5,000 admissions annually of patients with a known dementia diagnosis across St James’s University Hospital and Leeds General Infirmary. Additionally, approximately 100 patients with dementia attend the emergency departments (EDs) each week. Recognising the challenges faced by these patients, a new pilot project has been launched to improve dementia-friendly care within the hospital emergency settings.

Challenges faced by dementia patients in emergency departments

Emergency Departments can be overwhelming and distressing environments for people living with dementia. The busy, noisy surroundings and unfamiliar routines often increase confusion and anxiety among patients. Staff currently face difficulties in quickly identifying patients with dementia, which can hinder the provision of tailored care and support. This situation also causes concern for families and carers who accompany their loved ones to A&E.

Details of the pilot project

Leeds Hospitals Charity has allocated over £15,000 in funding for a two-year pilot scheme aimed at improving the experience of dementia patients attending the emergency departments. The project plans to introduce straightforward but effective interventions designed to better identify and support these vulnerable patients during their time in A&E.

• Improved identification methods for patients with dementia
• Enhanced staff training to understand and address dementia-related needs
• Adjustments to the emergency department environment to reduce distress
• Increased support for families and carers during emergency visits

The pilot’s goal is to create a more dementia-friendly emergency care experience, reducing anxiety and confusion for patients and improving overall care quality.

Looking ahead

If successful, the pilot could provide a framework for wider implementation across other hospital departments and trusts, contributing to better dementia care throughout the NHS.

For more information, visit the Leeds Hospitals Charity website.