Lotto grant lifeline for dementia help (From This Is Lancashire)

Lotto grant lifeline for dementia help

10:10am Sunday 16th September 2012 in News

AN axed service for dementia patients has been relaunched — thanks to a lifeline lottery grant.

Funding for the nurses, who specialise in supporting families affected by dementia, was cut by health bosses  last August, but the service has now been relaunched due to demand and the Heath Lottery.

The service has been renamed Admiral Nurses.

Admiral Nurses are specialised staff who help families understand dementia, help people live with the condition and improve communication for them.

The old service was run by Greater Manchester West Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, but the new service will be run by Dementia UK and Making Space, a North West charity.

The former service ended in March, leaving people without support, despite a big campaign to save it.

Jim Swift, from Bolton, who cares for his wife, said: “My wife, Jan, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s more than 10 years ago.

“My Admiral Nurse was always there for me when I needed someone to turn to. Her advice, expertise, care and compassion guided me and gave me strength to carry on.

“It’s wonderful to hear that Admiral Nursing will be returning to Bolton.

“Living with dementia can be very challenging and families need access to the invaluable support that Admiral Nurses provide.”

Health bosses said the former service would be replaced with widereaching support for all carers.

Ted McGuinness, from Dementia UK, said: “We know the Admiral Nursing service is highly valued by people in Bolton and we are absolutely delighted to be working in partnership with Making Space to bring Admiral Nursing back to the local community.”

Kath Williams, an experienced nurse who will be leading the new service, said: “Family carers have such a crucial role in supporting loved ones with dementia and they need someone to turn to who understands the issues and can provide practical support and advice to help them manage to live well with this heartbreaking condition.”

Initially Ms Williams will be working solo for the service in Bolton.

People can be referred to the service by their GP or can contact Ms Williams directly by emailing kath.williams @makingspace.co.uk or calling 01204 337151.