A new Admiral Nurse role has been launched in the Galashiels and Hawick areas for people living with dementia and their carers.
The service is being supported by NHS Borders Health Charity and Dementia UK, the specialist dementia nursing charity.
It is also in line with the Health and Social Care Partnership’s Dementia Strategy (Our Dementia Plan) 2024-2029 which champions person-centred, community focused and responsive services.
Support for people living with dementia and carers
Admiral Nurses are dementia specialist nurses who offer practical and emotional support to anyone affected by dementia.
Referrals can be made at any time, for example, prior to a diagnosis of dementia, throughout periods of carer stress, navigating transitions in care level required, through to supporting families at the end of life.
Based within all health centres in Galashiels and Hawick, referrals are accepted from GP practices, Health and Social Care staff, and partners in the Third Sector.
Advice and information is also available from the Borders Carers Centre and at the Partnership’s What Matters Hub drop-in sessions.
Anyone being referred must be registered with a GP in Galashiels or Hawick.
Bob Cochrane, Dementia UK Account Manager
“Dementia UK is delighted to have such an enthusiastic, committed and experienced nurse in Lynn Weir, to be our most recent Scottish Admiral Nurse. We have been blessed in collaborating with such a professional and outward looking host in the local Health and Social Care Partnership.”
Christine Proudfoot, Nurse Consultant/Strategic Dementia Lead
“The launch of the new Admiral Nurse service at Galashiels Health Centre was a great opportunity to share what can be provided and was attended by varying stakeholders from third sector, social care, housing providers and members of the public. I look forward to improving the experience of people living with dementia and also their carers to help them navigate supports and community resources.”
Councillor Elaine Thornton-Nicol, Champion for Dementia for the Scottish Borders
“I’m delighted to support the launch of the Admiral Nurse Service, in partnership with Dementia UK. This specialist provision is another piece of the puzzle of how we are able to support the person living with dementia and their carers and I have every confidence it will make a meaningful difference to those who access it, ensuring they receive compassionate, expert guidance at every stage of their journey.”
More information
- Dementia UK is the specialist dementia nursing charity that is there for the whole family. Their nurses, known as Admiral Nurses, provide free, specialist advice, support and understanding to anyone affected by dementia, whenever it’s needed. With the support of an Admiral Nurse and Dementia UK - whether it’s on their Helpline, Clinics service, or in the community - families they support know they’re not alone. More information can be found at: at: . Advice or support on living with dementia is also available from the Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline on 0800 888 6678 or by email at: helpline@dementiauk.org. The Helpline is staffed by experienced Admiral Nurses. You can also book a free video or phone appointment to get expert dementia support from an Admiral Nurse. More information is available on the Dementia UK website.
- Images of the launch event are available from our Flickr page.
- Download a copy of the Partnership’s Dementia Strategy on our website.
- What Matters Hubs offer drop in sessions and appointments providing advice and information from community groups and voluntary organisations as well as social workers and occupational therapists. Find out more on the What Matters Hubs pages of our website