Visiting hours on some wards relaxed to aid dementia patients

The move, which is aimed at family carers, was made in support of John’s Campaign, a national project aimed at helping those who help look after dementia patients.

It was founded in 2014 after the death of Dr John Gerrard. He had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and, during a five-week stay in his local hospital, visits from his family were severely restricted.

As a result, his condition deteriorated.

The hospital’s deputy director of nursing, Simone Anderton, said: “It is vital that all our patients feel safe and at ease during their time with us and this is particularly important for patients with dementia.”

Relatives and carers have been urged to attend an open event at the hospital’s education centre from 3pm on Monday, May 8.