National Audit of Care – Dementia Care

Hospital staff looking after dementia patients receive a “shocking” lack of training.

Two-thirds are not taught how to cope with the thousands of vulnerable people with the condition. This means many sufferers are denied the care they need.

While hospitals say they have policies in place, these are not always followed and simple steps are not taken that could lessen the distress to patients, most of whom are elderly.

The study said the encounter between staff and patients "is mainly task-related and delivered in a largely impersonal manner" while the hospital environment is "often impersonal".

Staff do not always greet or talk to patients during care, explaining what they were doing or offering choice. Sometimes they do not respond to patient requests for help.

Recommendations in the report include providing basic dementia training for all staff, with some ward staff receiving higher level training.

To listen to Tracey Morgan interview at BBC Berkshire Radio click on the green button below: