Jardine calls for more specialist dementia nurses

Edinburgh West MP Christine Jardine has urged the UK and Scottish Governments to invest in specialist dementia nurses in primary care. 

Christine recently met with leading charity, Dementia UK, who provide support for a team of Admiral Nurses across the UK. 

They are specially trained to work closely with patients to help them live independently and adapt to living with dementia, as well as helping family and friends adjust. 

Figures estimate that over 8,000 people are currently living with dementia in Edinburgh, with Alzheimer’s Research UK predicting over 1 million people will be living with the disease by 2030. 

This led the UK Government to include it in its Major Conditions Strategy last year, as one of the six leading causes of illness and death.  

Christine is now calling for more staff recruitment, training and support for specialist nurses to allow the NHS to adapt to a growing, aging population. 

She said, “Dementia is a cruel condition which requires care and attention to help patients and their loved ones adapt to a major change in their lives. 

“Admiral Nurses supported by Dementia UK do a wonderful job in helping people come to terms with their diagnosis, and works closely with families to be a friendly face and knowledgeable voice at such a challenging time. 

“I cannot imagine how daunting a diagnosis like this must be for patients, and it is vital they know they are not alone.  

“That is why the Scottish and UK Governments must be doing more to support Dementia UK and other incredible charities to bring more Admiral Nurses to primary care settings right across the country, so everyone gets the quality care they deserve.”