AIREDALE NHS Foundation Trust has appointed its first Admiral Nurse.
Laura Hughes will provide advice and support, whenever needed, to anyone affected by dementia.
The role has been introduced in conjunction with Dementia UK.
"I am incredibly proud to be given the unique opportunity to become the trust’s first Admiral Nurse," says Laura.
"I've been passionate about improving the lives of those living with dementia throughout my career, and I am excited to be introducing this much-needed role to our region.
"It will allow me to help people with dementia to maintain independence at home, provide support to their families and improve staff awareness and knowledge for when they are caring for patients living with the condition."
Laura has been working in the NHS for over two decades.
She has previously served as a dementia link nurse, and latterly was senior sister on the elderly medicine ward at Airedale Hospital.
Catherine Redman, divisional director of nursing for medicine at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, says: "We are delighted to be partnering with Dementia UK and introducing a new service to the trust that will increase support for people living with dementia, their carers and families."
Dr Hilda Hayo, chief Admiral Nurse and chief executive at Dementia UK, says: "One in three people born in the UK this year will develop dementia in their lifetime. It can be exhausting and overwhelming, not only for the person with dementia, but also for the people caring for them, and their wider family and friends.
"Admiral Nurses are there when people need them most, providing health advice, offering compassionate emotional and psychological support and helping families plan for the future.
"It is critical that we have more Admiral Nurses across Bradford district and Craven to support those who need it the most. We are pleased to welcome Laura to the Admiral Nurse team and look forward to watching her excel in the role."
The service became available at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust from today (November 20).
Laura is promoting the provision this week on the top landing in Zone C at Airedale Hospital, and will be there between 11am and 1pm from tomorrow until Friday.
She can be contacted about the service by emailing anhsft.admiralnurse@nhs.net
Further information about the role of Admiral Nurses can be found on the Dementia UK website, at dementiauk.org/information-and-support/specialist-diagnosis-and-support/what-is-an-admiral-nurse
The charity supports people with dementia and their families.
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