‘Butterfly’ will help dementia patients

The Northern Health and Social Care Trust have been funded to introduce “The Butterfly Scheme” into the hospital to improve the well-being and safety of people with memory impairment or dementia.

The scheme was created by a family carer and is already being used in hospitals across England, Scotland and Wales.

It allows people with memory impairment and their carers the choice to “opt in”, so that they are empowered to request specific personalised care during their stay in hospital.

Dr Maura Young Consultant in Old Age Psychiatry for the Northern Trust, said: “We in the Northern Trust are delighted to introduce this scheme to Antrim Area Hospital.

“We know from feedback from people with dementia and their carers that there is much that we as staff can do to improve their experience of hospital care.

“The Butterfly Scheme which has been successfully implemented into many hospitals in England and Wales is known to make a real difference to the quality of hospital care. The Northern Trust is committed to making this scheme a success,” said Dr Young.

Training workshops were held last week and all staff are trained in the scheme.

It is hoped ‘Butterfly’ will be available to patients admitted to the hospital from October onwards. Anyone interested in the scheme should ask staff on the ward for details.