Chamber
Plenary, 11 Feb 2009
11 Feb 2009 · S3 · Plenary
Item of business
Accident and Emergency Services (Dementia)
Quite a lot of work has been done on the issue, particularly considering the new role of the senior charge nurse. We want to ensure that those in that leadership role on the ward pay much more attention to the nutritional needs of people in their care. A lot of work is also going on in care homes. I can write to the member with more details on that: patients' medical needs are important but so too are their personal care needs, including nutrition.
Irene Oldfather's second point was on specialist nurses. The role of dementia specialist nurses is part of the solution in caring for people with dementia who are in hospital, but we must not forget that the main thrust of the report's recommendations was that all staff should receive training in dementia. We must be cautious as we do not want to end up giving the impression that all the responsibility comes down to one person. All the recommendations were important, but the key recommendation was to ensure that all staff have a basic awareness of and training in dementia. We will look in more detail at how to take that forward.
I have written to the convener of the cross-party group on Alzheimer's to set out the steps that I have taken, and I am happy to join the Parliament in giving my support to the motion. We are clear about the challenges that we face in offering high-quality and sensitive care to people with dementia, and we will not shirk the need to take action. I assure members that I have heard the issues that they have raised and I will reflect on them in the development of our further plans. I am happy to continue to work with the cross-party group on Alzheimer's as we take forward that work.
Irene Oldfather's second point was on specialist nurses. The role of dementia specialist nurses is part of the solution in caring for people with dementia who are in hospital, but we must not forget that the main thrust of the report's recommendations was that all staff should receive training in dementia. We must be cautious as we do not want to end up giving the impression that all the responsibility comes down to one person. All the recommendations were important, but the key recommendation was to ensure that all staff have a basic awareness of and training in dementia. We will look in more detail at how to take that forward.
I have written to the convener of the cross-party group on Alzheimer's to set out the steps that I have taken, and I am happy to join the Parliament in giving my support to the motion. We are clear about the challenges that we face in offering high-quality and sensitive care to people with dementia, and we will not shirk the need to take action. I assure members that I have heard the issues that they have raised and I will reflect on them in the development of our further plans. I am happy to continue to work with the cross-party group on Alzheimer's as we take forward that work.
In the same item of business
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Alasdair Morgan):
SNP
The final item of business is a members' business debate on motion S3M-3215, in the name of Irene Oldfather, on recognising the needs of people with dementia...
Motion debated,
That the Parliament notes the launch of the report, People with Dementia in NHS Accident and Emergency - Recognising Their Needs, by the Cross Party Group on...
Irene Oldfather (Cunninghame South) (Lab):
Lab
I am grateful to all those across the political parties who signed the motion. I am particularly grateful to the members of the cross-party group on Alzheime...
Ian McKee (Lothians) (SNP):
SNP
I congratulate Irene Oldfather on obtaining this most important debate. I also commend the cross-party group for the sensible suggestions in its Alzheimer's ...
The Deputy Presiding Officer:
SNP
I call Mary Scanlon, to be followed by Dr Richard Simpson.
Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con):
Con
It is never easy to be wedged between two doctors in a medical debate.I thank Irene Oldfather for bringing this debate to Parliament. As one of the conveners...
Dr Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab):
Lab
I add my congratulations to Irene Oldfather for today's result. It is a testament to the hard work that she has put in, and to the hard work of others such a...
Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD):
LD
I begin by thanking Irene Oldfather not only for securing this evening's debate but, more important, for her tireless and tenacious work in trying to help ma...
The Minister for Public Health (Shona Robison):
SNP
I thank Irene Oldfather for bringing this important debate to the Parliament. We have led the way in making dementia a national priority. I welcome the suppo...
Mary Scanlon:
Con
In my reading and preparing for the debate, an issue that MSPs have raised over the years was once again brought to my attention. I refer to the problems of ...
Shona Robison:
SNP
Quite a lot of work has been done on the issue, particularly considering the new role of the senior charge nurse. We want to ensure that those in that leader...
Meeting closed at 17:39.