Trust's Memory Support Worker Team make national award shortlist

The Trust’s Memory Support Worker (MSW) Team is in the running for a national award for offering an invaluable and efficient service to people who have memory problems or are living with dementia.

The team, which was set up in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society, has been nominated for an HSJ Value in Healthcare Award. 

The Awards recognise and reward outstanding practice, cutting-edge innovation and improved value and efficiency in healthcare, and the Memory Support Worker Team has been shortlisted in the Clinical Support Services category.

The memory support workers have been employed across Leeds since 2015 to ensure that those living with dementia in the area are able to access meaningful information, advice and support.

One of their main aims is to help people live well with dementia in their community, which can involve signposting to services including memory cafés, carers groups and advocacy.

The Memory Support Worker Team integrates well with the already established Memory Services in the Trust. Setting up the team has allowed the Memory Services to re-focus their efforts on their clinical role, including providing support for people once they’ve been diagnosed with dementia. The memory support workers also work closely with Integrated Neighbourhood Teams and GPs, which improves communication between primary and secondary care services.

The memory support workers have been able to build up a strong rapport with service users, putting them at ease when discussing symptoms, signs and issues. One service user stated that they had ‘really helped’, adding that ‘a weight has been lifted off my shoulders knowing that this support is here’.

The team will find out if they have won the award when the winners are announced at a prestigious ceremony in London on Wednesday 24 May.

Page last updated: 21st Mar 2017 11:34am