Relatives and carers of patients with dementia staying at Hereford County Hospital are now able to spend extra time with their loved ones thanks to new reclining chairs and open visiting hours.

Wye Valley NHS Trust is taking steps to become more dementia friendly and to mark this, it recently signed up to John’s Campaign, which calls on hospitals to show their commitment to give carers of those living with dementia the right to stay with them in hospital.

Sarah Clinton, dementia champion at Wye Valley NHS Trust, said: “Coming into hospital can be a difficult time for patients with dementia when they are staying in unfamiliar surroundings. Spending extra time with their family can help to reduce any anxiety or stress they may be experiencing.

“This is just one of a number of steps we have taken to ensure that dementia awareness is embedded across our organisation so that we can improve experiences and outcomes for people with dementia locally.

“Relatives and carers of patients with dementia can now visit and stay at Hereford County Hospital round the clock, as their visiting times are not restricted and the reclining chairs are available for overnight stays, in addition to our accommodation available for relatives.”

The Trust also has 32 specially trained dementia nurses and champions to provide the right care and support to help patients who are being cared for in hospital with dementia. To find out more about dementia support at your local hospital, if you are a patient in hospital or a relative, please speak to the nurse or Sister in charge of the ward or department.

To find out more about John’s Campaign visit www.johnscampaign.org.uk