Centre to support dementia care launched

A new centre dedicated to supporting the recovery and wellbeing of our older patients with dementia has opened at Aintree Hospital, following a generous donation from a Liverpool family.

The Frances Centre was made possible following a £100,000 charitable donation from Professor Ananda Dulal Sarkar, in memory of his late wife, Frances. From a young age, Frances spent most of her life supporting those in her community who often didn’t have family or friends. She would visit care homes, organising trips out and making clothes for the residents. Frances later converted an annexe of her home into a space where she could welcome people.

Professor Sarkar now wants Frances’ legacy of filling people’s twilight years with companionship and happiness to live on at The Frances Centre. Frances herself was diagnosed with vascular dementia and passed away in 2021.

He said: “Dementia is a cruel disease. I know that her legacy will live on here in The Frances Centre and the positive impact it will have for older people across Merseyside. It’s my lasting memorial for her.”

Improving dementia care is one of LUHFT’s priorities. The unit has been designed using dementia friendly wall wraps with contrasting colours, and safe, matt flooring to minimise confusion and risk of trips and falls. It provides a dedicated space, away from what can often be a busy ward environment, to provide enhanced support and therapies for our older inpatients. Patients can participate in range of therapies and activities, including reminiscence materials, games and relaxation equipment, and there is a sensory garden outside.

Dr Aideen Cronin, the Trust’s clinical lead for Delirium and Dementia and a Consultant in the Department of Medicine for Older People and Stroke, said: “Being able to create this dementia-friendly space thanks to the Sarkar family’s generous donation will have such a positive impact for our patients. Ward spaces can sometimes be stressful for older people with cognitive impairment hindering their recovery. Being able to offer a safe space where they can receive cognitive rehabilitation alongside their medical care is amazing.

“It is also an area for the Trust to host carers cafes, to enable greater support and signposting for local people and our staff who have carers responsibilities. Thanks to the Sarkar family, The Frances Centre is a really positive step in improving dementia care at the Trust and we’re proud to continue Frances’ legacy.”

Dementia is a cruel disease. I know that her legacy will live on here in The Frances Centre and the positive impact it will have for older people across Merseyside.

New EDI Strategic Plan launched

LUHFT has launched a brand-new EDI strategic plan for the next three years. This is our first Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategic plan and it will form part of our new and improved staff and patient experience offer. Our plan will support us as we progress towards making our Trust a fairer and more inclusive organisation.

You can read the new plan on the intranet here: https://bit.ly/43nluec