Integrating Dementia Coordinators in ED and SDEC: Preventing Admission and Reducing Length of Stay
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Green Room |
Katie Antill
CEO
Alzheimer's & Dementia Support Services
Summary
The Health and Care Partnership (HCP) in Dartford Gravesham and Swanley (led by Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust) undertook an innovative Community Investment Programme in summer 2024. The aim was to re-invest hospital funding into schemes that would support admission avoidance and reduce length of stay.
The partnership worked together to co-design a number of services with an ambitious timeline to mobilise services ahead of winter in order to support hospital demand.
A key service developed within this investment was the Dementia Co-ordinator Service in ED & Same Day Emergency Care department (SDEC), provided by Alzheimer’s & Dementia Support Service (ADSS). Since 30th September 2024, ADSS have been co-located within the SDEC Village at Darent Valley Hospital, identifying patients with dementia and providing dedicated specialist support and assessment to prevent any avoidable admissions into hospital where possible, or by supporting admitted patients to be discharged home sooner with ongoing support.