News

Dementia carers finalists in WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards

Apr 22, 2024

Joondalup Health Campus’ Complex Care Team has been named as one of four finalists in the WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence (WANMEA) Awards’ Person Centred Care – Team Award. 

The Complex Care Team (CCT) prioritises the health, safety and well-being of patients admitted with dementia and delirium by delivering personalised, supportive and compassionate care during a hospital stay.

Director of Clinical Services Mary Ferrier said the team, led by Deputy Director of Clinical Services Michelle Young, Clinical Nurse Manager Kate Caldcleugh-Johnson, and Clinical Nurse Specialist Tania Leach, have significantly changed the approach to caring for those experiencing dementia or delirium.

“In July last year we acted on the CCT’s recommendation for the Complex Care Unit to be moved from a standard hospital ward to its new location on the ground floor, which has 25 rooms, ten with direct courtyard access, and a communal garden,” said Mary.

“It was an excellent idea as the patients, who are low acuity and preparing to return home, to a nursing home, or being assessed for aged care, can move freely around a secure home-like environment.

“Previously the patients required 1:1 or 1:2 carer support and now have the freedom to move about the home-like environment and socialise with others in a communal lounge/dining area. This helps them to overcome social isolation which we know to be so harmful to mental and physical wellbeing,” she said.

Clinical Nurse Manager Kate Caldcleugh-Johnson said the team has been recruited for their expertise and passion for caring for those experiencing dementia or delirium.

“It’s a wonderful group and we run a 7-day rotating schedule of meaningful morning and afternoon activities for our patients which include games, pet therapy, art, and karaoke,” she said.

“We’re meeting their clinical needs while ensuring that they feel as comfortable as possible and we go out of our way to incorporate their daily routines into their care- things like supporting showering at the same time as they would shower at home,” said Kate.

Data shows the CCU has had a 25 per cent reduction in falls from bed and around a 45 per cent reduction in Code Blacks since their move to the new ward.

To better meet the needs of cognitively impaired patients on acute wards, patients are flagged for review by Clinical Nurse Specialist Tania Leach.

“My role is to guide and support ward staff to provide best practice care to this vulnerable cohort,” she said.

“Through the provision of education, developmental opportunities and appropriate resources, staff are empowered and able to care for patients with dementia and delirium,” she said.

Deputy Director of Clinical Services Michelle Young said that patients and families are impressed with the level of individualised care that they receive.

“It really is a very uplifting environment, and the staff go above and beyond to ensure patients and families feel comfortable and safe,” she said.

The WANMEA winners will be announced on Saturday 11 May.