Vicky's choir leads push for training on early signs of dementia

MORE THAN 90% OF HOSPITALS' STAFF NOW HAVE 'AWARENESS' OF CONDITION

- By LAUREN MONAGHAN Local democracy reporter

MORE than nine in ten staff at Nottingham hospitals are now trained in spotting the early signs of dementia - with a push for every single one to get the vital training.

Dementia Action Week runs until May 25 and aims to promote fast diagnosis for people living with the condition. Around one in three people in the UK living with dementia do not have a diagnosis, according to the Alzheimer’s Society.

Nottingham University Hospitals Trust (NUH) started a campaign on Monday with a performance by Our Dementia Choir at Nottingham City Hospital. The choir was established by city actor Vicky McClure in 2018, and uses music to improve the lives of members, who all have the condition.

Dr Aamer Ali, consultant geriatrician and dementia lead for NUH, says the “push” during the action week is to ensure “all staff members [at NUH] be trained to a tier one level [in dementia training].”