STAFF at Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have been working closely with partners and charities to promote Dementia Awareness Week, which runs from May 18-24.

They have attended events across Hillingdon, invited charities and organisations to open information stalls around the hospital and selling cakes to raise money for people living with dementia.

Lorna Kelly, dementia clinical nurse specialist, said: “It’s important that people are conscious of the support that’s out there for our patients and their families.

“We use this week to inform the public and raise money for a range of organisations, but most importantly we want everyone to learn more about dementia and to realise there’s more to a person than their diagnosis.”

The hospital has also been taking part in a range of events, including the launch of the Hillingdon Dementia Action Alliance (DDA), where the Trust presented an action plan on its approach to dementia care.

Hillingdon recently opened a dementia–friendly ward, Beaconsfield East, as part of a £50m allocation for England, to create pioneering care environments for the needs of people with dementia.

The ward won Best Internal Environment at the annual Building a Better Healthcare Awards.

The dementia–friendly ward includes better lighting, flooring and signage, the creation of a patient day-room, a sensory room and a sensory garden.

A full list of services can be found at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/dementia or you can contact the Hillingdon branch of Alzheimer’s Society on 01923 823 999.