‘Over the Moon’ Asma gets role as county’s new Admiral Nurse
jessica.mercer@reachplc.com
THE county’s new Admiral Nurse says she’s “over the moon” to start her new role supporting some of the most vulnerable patients at the county’s two biggest hospitals.
Asma Pandor will be helping dementia patients at both Gloucestershire Royal and Cheltenham General Hospitals, ensuring they get the extra support they need.
When things get challenging or difficult for people withdementiaand their families, Admiral Nurses work alongside them, giving the compassionate one-to-one support, expert guidance and practical solutions that can be difficult to find elsewhere.
They are a lifeline, helping families to live more positively withdementiain the present, and to face the challenges of tomorrow with more confidence and less fear
Asma will become the trust’s first Admiral Nurse as part of a joint project between Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Dementia UK.
Dementia is one of the major causes of disability in older people. According to data from Gloucestershire County Council, there are more than 9,700 people living with the condition in the county.
Asma, who was previously a Ward Sister on Care of the Elderly wards said: “I am over the moon to have been appointed as the Admiral Nurse for our Trust.
“I will be available for all families and carers affected by dementia in both of our hospitals and for all staff who require any support and guidance in caring for people with dementia during their hospital stay.”
The Trust is committed to providing excellent care for patients living with dementia and already has a series of dementia champions and dedicated clinicians to address this growing area of need. The new role forms part of the Trust’s dementia improvement plan and will bolster existing support to ensure patients can access the right care when they need it and provide new innovative practice.
Carole Webster, deputy chief nurse at Gloucestershire Hospitals said: “This is superb news for inpatients and their loved ones to have a lead for dementia who will coordinate the care across our two hospitals and Dementia UK have been incredibly supportive.
“Asma will bring immense experience, leadership and clinical expertise with her.
“We’re really excited about the opportunities this post will bring.”
Emily Oliver, consultant Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK said: “In pressured health and social care systems, people with dementia and their families can often experience ongoing challenges.
“In the case of hospitals, this can result in poorer outcomes such as delayed discharge, increased carer stress, and often a deterioration in the person with dementia’s condition.
“This is why it’s vital to have dementia specialist Admiral Nurses like Asma to be an advocate for families and support them during their admission. It’s a privilege to have Asma join the growing Admiral Nurse community.”