October 2012
The following blog appeared on Sarah’s website www.olderpeoplewales.com :
07.9.12
Those of you who read my blog will know that improving the way we support and treat carers, and people who have dementia, is, I think, one of the most important things that we need to do in Wales.
This week, I visited the Butterfly Scheme in Withybush Hospital to see for myself, and talk to patients and staff, about how this wonderful scheme is improving the quality of care and clinical outcomes for people who have dementia.
The Scheme was devised by a carer whose mother has dementia, Barbara Hodkinson. The scheme teaches staff to offer a positive and appropriate response to people with memory impairments and has at its heart a number of very simple actions that, taken together, ensure that patients living with dementia get the care and support they need.
It’s called the Butterfly Scheme because a discreet butterfly symbol is placed next to the patient’s name on the care chart and above their bed. This prompts all staff to follow a special response plan that aims to ensure that the way in which care is provided fully takes into account the impact of memory loss and dementia. The butterfly symbol ensures that all staff are aware of the memory status of patients and reminds staff that extra care and attention may be needed when delivering care and treatment.
What really struck me, having seen this for myself, is how simple it was, how easy to do, but how very impactful. It was the staff themselves who told me how good they thought this was and how it made them feel that they were delivering better care – that’s praise indeed.
A number of hospitals across Wales are already making the Butterfly Scheme available to support their patients. If you are the Chief Executive of a Health Board, a Medical Director or a Nursing Director, and you don’t have the Butterfly Scheme in place, then you need to seriously think about whether you are best meeting the needs of patients with dementia.