Uni honours couple for dementia care work
Awarded medal for making a difference to families
A Paisley academic has delivered a special lecture that focussed on the individuals at the heart of dementia care.
Professor Debbie Tolson, of University of the West of Scotland, gave the Alzheimer Scotland Centre for Policy and Practice’s ( ASCPP) inaugural annual celebration lecture at the campus.
Professor Tolson, who is director of the centre and Assistant Dean of the university’s School of Health, Nursing and Midwifery, delivered an address entitled :‘Listening, Learning and Leading: Advancing Dementia Practice’.
She drew on recent research in which she illustrated the importance of listening to individuals affected by dementia, and their family, and of the essential contribution of experience-based approaches to learning and research.
The lecture also honoured the outstanding contribution of a person, or persons, to the work of ASCPP.
The inaugural lecture was dedicated to Henry and Anne Rankin who have together made a sustained and outstanding contribution to dementia education.
As a newly retired police officer in his mid- fifties Henry, from Glasgow, was diagnosed with vascular dementia.
Mr Rankin is a member of the Scottish Dementia Working Group, campaigning with others who have dementia, to uphold the rights and enhance the lives of all people experiencing the condition.
In this role, he went from strength- to-strength, going on to chair the national group for some years.
Mrs Rankin is involved in many areas of work promoting involvement and helping others understand the perspectives of family members.
Professor Tolson, pictured right, said: “Both Henry and Anne Rankin are truly inspirational individuals, who have made a sustained and outstanding contribution to dementia education, and I was delighted and honoured to have delivered the first annual celebration lecture.
“It was great to be able to recognise the remarkable contribution of this couple to our centre, and to thank them for the inspiration and motivation they afford each and every one of us as we endeavour to ensure no one faces dementia alone.”
The event also saw Mr and Mrs Rankin being presented with a UWS Celebration Medal, which recognises those who have inspired the university or, in some way, have made a demonstrable impact on the way UWS, and others, respond to dementia.
Professor Craig Mahoney, UWS principal and vice- chancellor, said: “At UWS we are committed to making an important and lasting contribution to society and our collaborative work with Alzheimer Scotland impacts positively on those living, and caring for a loved one with, dementia.
“I am immensely proud of the centre and the university was privileged to be able to mark the significant contribution of Henry and Anne Rankin who are truly positive examples for us to follow.”