23 November 2009

PRESS RELEASE

NI Dementia Forum Conference – Sharing the Journey

The annual Northern Ireland Dementia Forum (NIDF) conference, organised by the Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) recently took place at Corick Country House Hotel, Clogher. The conference looked at the shared journey of people with dementia and their carers.

In terms of Northern Ireland, current estimates show that there are 16,000 people with dementia in Northern Ireland and that the numbers are predicted to increase to 20,500 by the year 2017 and over 47,000 by the year 2051. This represents an overall increase of 30% and 200% respectively by 2051.

Over 100 delegates were attended from a wide range of organisations, including the voluntary sector, carers groups and representatives as well as professional groups. During the course of the day participants heard of the latest European developments and of how this illness impacts upon both the individual and their families and carers, in particular in a rural community setting.

Mr Joe Travers, Western Trust Head of Secondary Care and Chairperson of the Northern Ireland Dementia Forum said: “We estimate that within the Western Trust area there is somewhere in the region of 3,000 people with dementia.”

He continued: “This conference has presented the NIDF members with a clear vision of the needs of people with this disease and provides the impetus for the provision of more appropriate services and support for people with dementia and their carers."

Mr Alan Corry Finn, Director of Primary Care and Older Peoples Services and Executive Director for Nursing added: “The conference theme this year is ‘Sharing the Journey’ and explores the impact of diagnosis and how if affects the person and those who have shared their life journey. In many ways following a diagnosis the road becomes less clear and the journey is unchartered territory. This makes it even more vital that, as health and social care professionals, we are aware of the special care needs of those who live with Dementia.”

He added: “I was delighted to come along today and highlight this issue and support the good work that is being done and that we hope will continue.”

The formal handover to the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust’s Assistant Director of Nursing and Mental Health, Dr Bob Brown, of the hosting of the Northern Ireland Dementia Forum for 2010/2011, also took place at the conference.

For more information on the NI Dementia Forum or on up and coming events/workshops go to the Forum website on: www.nidementiaforum.org.

Ends….

For further information contact Communications Department, Western Health and Social Care Trust Tel: (028) 82835197 or (028) 71611429.

Notes to Editor

Pictured at the recent NI Dementia Forum Conference are, from left are: Linda Johnston Solicitor and event speaker; Alan Corry Finn, Director of Primary Care and Older Peoples Services and Executive Director of Nursing, Western Trust; Joe Travers, Western Trust Head of Secondary Care and Chairperson of NIDF; Dr Maura Briscoe Director of Mental Health and Disability Policy, DHSSPS; Maurice O’ Connell, Chair, Alzheimer’s Europe; Maria Mc Manus, Associate Director DSDC and Jo Devlin, Western Trust Day Care Services Manager and NIDF Vice-Chair.