3 May 2017 Care

Kirkwood launch Hospice Admiral Nurse Service

A brand new service, designed to support people living with dementia at the end of life, was launched in January. Set up to provide specialist advice, guidance and support for people with advanced dementia, their families and carers, Kirklees’s first Hospice Admiral Nurse talks about the importance of the new service.

Jacqueline Crowther became Kirkwood’s first Admiral Nurse in September 2016 and is already helping the Hospice to support people in Kirklees with dementia at the end of life. 

As well as working with patients, their families and carers, Jacqueline is also helping to support local professionals to improve knowledge and skills in end of life and dementia care.

Jacqueline Crowther (pictured left) with Kirkwood Hospice Community Specialist Palliative Care Team member, Jo Robinson.

 

How important is it for us to embrace dementia care?

“Dementia is now acknowledged as a life-limiting illness, but people with dementia are not referred to palliative care services often enough. This means that many families living through a dementia diagnosis are not offered the same pain assessment and relief as people with other conditions.

“In order to improve, we need to embrace the importance of dementia care at the end of life. We need to support health and social care professionals, as well as helping patients and families to access end of life services when and where they need them.”

What are your priorities as a Hospice Admiral Nurse?

“Both Kirkwood’s and my own priority is to improve access to specialist palliative care. One of the ways we will do this is by offering an open referral system so that families, carers, friends and professionals can seek our support. 

“I hope to see the service continue after its initial two year funding, so helping to achieve that is also a big priority. 

“Finally, I think it is vitally important that I help to support and develop Hospice staff to improve their knowledge and skills in this area.”

Who are you working with in your Admiral Nurse role?

“I’m working closely with GPs and Community Nurses as well as Kirkwood’s Community Specialist Palliative Care Team, offering support and advice when it is needed, when a person’s dementia advances or when end of life approaches.”

About Jacqueline Crowther

A Registered Mental Health Nurse, Jacqueline (pictured left) has many years of clinical experience working with people living with dementia and their carers. She has worked extensively in the field of research and education, completing a PhD at the University of Liverpool and co-ordinating a number of dementia research studies. 

To make a referral or for more information about this service, please call: 01484 557 910