Ward rounds should be at the heart of dementia care, say Royal Colleges

The colleges report that ward rounds are often neglected in planning inpatient care and that pressures relating to staffing levels lead to wide variations in how and when ward rounds are conducted.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'People with dementia occupy a quarter of hospital beds, but too often they are being let down by disjointed patient care. This isn't just bad for the patient - poor quality dementia care costs the average hospital £6million per year. People are staying in hospital longer and their condition often deteriorates whilst they are there.

'Improving the process of ward could have a real impact on patient care.  We don't need to reinvent the wheel. Tools such as Alzheimer's Society's leaflet 'This is Me' help clinicians on rounds remember the person behind the dementia and are already in use by many hospitals.'

Andrew Chidgey

Director of External Affairs

Alzheimer's Society

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Notes to editors:

• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 800,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than ten years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them
• Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
• Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk

Press Office 0207 423 3595 Email: press@alzheimers.org.uk