Dementia friendly Oldham is praised by health chief

LEADING the way in Dementia Care... (L-R) Stephanie Doherty, Chair of Oldham Dementia Action Alliance, Maggie Kufeldt, Oldham Council’s Executive Director for Health and Wellbeing, Dr Ian Wilkinson, Chief Clinical Officer at NHS Oldham CCG, Simon Stevens, NHS England Chief Executive, Carolyn Wilkins, Oldham Council’s Chief Executive, Councillor Jenny Harrison, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Safeguarding and Councillor Jean Stretton, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing.

OUTSTANDING work to create a dementia-friendly community in Oldham has been praised by the head of the NHS in England during a special visit to the borough.

NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens visited Oldham during Dementia Awareness Week to see first-hand how more than 2,500 people living with dementia in the area are being supported by an array of services.

The visit, at Oldham Civic Centre, was sparked by Mr Stevens’ interest in the dementia work being undertaken in Oldham and how partnerships and the community are pulling together to understand the condition and support patients and their carers.

He said: “The dementia awareness work taking place in Oldham is clearly very forward thinking and is empowering people with dementia and their carers to help drive forward changes.

“Partnership working between NHS Oldham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), Oldham Council, voluntary sector and local community groups and businesses means people living with dementia are at the forefront and are truly benefiting from improvements in services and community support.

“This is helping them to live as full and active a life as possible and for their carers to feel well supported.”

During his visit, Mr Stevens attended a Dementia Friends event, which helps residents understand what it is like to live with dementia and how to support people to live well with the condition, and spoke at length with dementia patients and their carers.

He also praised the work of Oldham’s Dementia Friends and the work done by the Oldham Dementia Action Alliance in making sure all people affected by the condition are cared for.

John Starkey, a carer for his mum who is living with dementia, said: “It was a great opportunity to speak with Mr Stevens about the dementia services in Oldham.

“I have noticed a massive difference in the support available to carers over the past six years and this has made a really positive impact on my life.

“I’m pleased I could share my experiences and highlight the continuous developments of dementia services in Oldham and the hard work of everyone involved.”

Dr Ian Wilkinson, chief clinical officer at NHS Oldham CCG, said it was a great opportunity to host a visit with Mr Stevens and showcase the fantastic dementia work that goes on in Oldham.

He said: “As a CCG, we are fully committed to enhancing the quality of life and care for people with dementia and their carers.

“Ultimately, we are working hard towards ensuring people with dementia and their carers are empowered to live well, maintaining their independence and social activities.”

Councillor Jean Stretton, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, was also happy that Oldham Council could share their experiences.

She said: “In Oldham, there are a number of services available to those with dementia and it’s vital we spread the word. Mr Stevens’ visit is testament to the great work taking place in the borough and it’s all down to organisations, businesses, volunteers banding together to make Oldham a Dementia Friendly Community and provide a helping hand to people with dementia, their families and carers.”

email: lucykenderdine@oldham-chronicle.co.uk