This award aims to recognise those who have succeeded in raising standards of care for their patients and clients and have made an outstanding contribution to the care of service users.
Frances Aitken, Lead Dementia Nurse for Stress and Distress at St. John's Hospital, NHS Lothian, works to improve the care experience for patients with cognitive decline in St John’s Hospital's acute setting by reducing stress and distress, emergency psychiatric interventions and over-medication with sedatives. Frances led the implementation of the Stress and Distress programme.
Overcoming challenges including staff understanding of cognitive conditions, Frances led awareness-raising and training. Evaluation showed positive outcomes, including reduced need for one-to-one nursing, sedation and emergency calls, along with improved pain management and decreased complaints. Frances’ work has enhanced patient experience, increased partnership with families and improved staff knowledge.
Applauding Frances for innovation and commitment, Colin Poolman, RCN Scotland Executive Director said: “Mental health nurses are key to supporting patients and clients to live as independent and fulfilling lives as they can. Frances has succeeded in raising the standards of dementia care for her patients and clients. Her nurse led programme shows that, with a passionate nurse at the helm, great things can be achieved”.
Congratulations to runner up, Susan Holland, Nurse Consultant in Dementia in NHS Ayrshire and Arran, and Pauline Zvimba, Senior Advanced Nurse Practitioner in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, who was highly commended.
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