New service to help dementia patients

The Fylde Coast Dementia Hub aims to help people worried about their memories, as well as those diagnosed with the condition, and their friends and family.

It will be held every month at Trinity Hospice, in Low Moor Road, Bispham, and is a joint initiative between several health groups, including Clifton Hospital, Blackpool and Fylde and Wyre Dementia Action Alliances, the hospice, and Lancaster University.

David Houston, chief executive at Trinity, said: “We are pleased to be a part of this important new service.

“My mother is in the latter stages of dementia so my family and I know only too well why services like this are so important.

“Here at Trinity, both in the hospice and in our community services, we are increasingly supporting patients and family members with dementia or mild cognitive impairment.

“It is vital that they access the same levels of health and social care support as other conditions and know where to find them.”

Dr Penny Foulds, honorary researcher at Lancaster University and founder of the Defying Dementia campaign said: ‘Research has revealed that early diagnosis can help people and their carers live well with dementia. We recognise people with dementia, and those who care for them, can feel isolated and often don’t know where to turn.

“This initiative is about helping our community know where to go for information and services when a diagnosis is made, or even before if they are worried about a loved one.”