Promoting Dignity And Independence For Sufferers Of Dementia

Two projects by South Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SEPT) to promote dignity and independence for people who suffer from dementia were highly commended at this year's East of England Health and Social Care Awards.

The innovative projects 'Lasting Memories' and 'My life Story' were launched in December 2007 and work closely with patients, their carers, families and friends to improve their quality of life.
'Lasting Memories' is specifically aimed at patients and their carers who have recently been diagnosed with dementia. The project allows patients to take control of their care and choose the services they receive, along with getting information about their condition in the early stages.

The 'My life Story' project is a personalised book of the patients life with dedicated sections including my early years, my adult life and all about me. Service users, carers and staff work together to create an accurate record of a person's life which includes anecdotes, photographs and useful information such as food and drink preferences.

Dr Patrick Geoghegan OBE, Chief Executive, said: "Projects like these make a real difference to not only our service users, but their carers too. I am delighted that they were commended in this year's East of England Health and Social Care Awards. It is also a demonstration of all the hard work that our staff do and it is fantastic that this has been recognised".

Other projects to reach the finals of the Health and Social Care Awards include 'Road to Recovery' and 'Connecting Care through Partnership'.

South Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Pride House
Christy Close
Southfields Industrial Estate
Basildon
Essex
SS15 6EA
UK