University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB) is actively committed to supporting campaigns which raise awareness or promote support for dementia patients, relatives and carers.

These campaigns include:

Dementia Action Alliance

Dementia Action Alliance aim to bring together organisations across England who are committed to transforming the lives and services for dementia patients and carers.

UHB have been actively involved in the campaign to improve services for our patients with dementia. We have introduced dementia friendly designs particularly in the Heritage Building (Queen Elizabeth Hospital) which includes pictorial signage, brightly coloured furniture, pictures and crockery which is highly visible to promote independence for all our patients.

For more information about our pledge and the alliance, please see the Dementia Action Alliance website (see 'Links' section).

Dementia Friends

Dementia Friends is a campaign by the Alzheimer’s Society to provide:

• Dementia friendly communities
• Dementia friends or champions
• Raise awareness about dementia
• Reduce the stigma associated with dementia

UHB have been actively promoting this campaign and signed up over 1,300 Dementia Friends.

For more information on the campaign, please visit the Dementia Friends website.

John’s Campaign

John's campaign calls for carers to be able to stay with people with dementia while they are in hospital. We see carers as extremely important when it comes to looking after their relative as they have expertise and knowledge of the best way to care for and treat that person.

For more information about the campaign and our commitment, please visit The Guardian and John's Campaign websites (see 'Links' section).

Any relative or carer, who wishes to stay overnight, will receive:

• Fold out beds, to enable a good sleep for the carer
• Breakfast in the morning, however carers should be encouraged to take lunch and evening meals off the ward
• Use of washing facilities following overnight stay
• Carers are allowed to have hot or cold drinks throughout the day

Partners in Care

The partners in care leaflet outlines the role of the carer and identifies any responsibilities they may wish to undertake whilst their relative is in hospital. All patient carers should be given the partners in care leaflet by ward staff.

Supported Mealtimes

We encourage carers to visit the ward and assist at mealtimes. We value the insights and expertise of family members. However, as a carer, please do not feel obliged to be here at mealtimes. We will always make arrangements for staff to support and encourage your relative to eat.