A dementia awareness eLearning programme is now available for all
Health & Social Care staff across Northern Ireland.
The training, which is being formally launched on Dementia Action
Week, is also open to those working within both the independent
and community & voluntary sectors (C&V) who are in
contact with service users with dementia.
It is the first regional dementia training of its kind and its
aim is to increase awareness and deepen understanding of the
experiences of those with the condition. The training provides
guidance on supporting a person living with dementia.
Health Minister said: “I am delighted to
announce this training as we begin Dementia Action Week.
“My Department is committed to providing high-quality training
for all staff, including for those working directly with people
living with dementia across a range of care settings.
“Northern Ireland is estimated to have at least 25,000 people
currently living with dementia, and that number is projected to
rise to 43,000 people by 2040. Northern Ireland is also projected
to have the highest prevalence dementia rate compared to its UK
counterparts.
“Ensuring that staff are equipped with the correct training to
care appropriately for those with dementia is therefore of
paramount importance.
“The eLearning awareness module offers guidance on how to
effectively support individuals living with dementia and helps
staff enhance the quality of care provided to them and their
carers, whether in hospital, at home, or within care facilities.”
The programme was created by the HSC Clinical Education Centre
(CEC) in collaboration with the Regional Dementia Project Board
for Northern Ireland, Health and Social Care staff, people with
dementia, the C&V sector, Queen's University and Ulster
University.
The Department of Health has also funded the development of
specialist dementia relationship training to enhance knowledge,
change attitudes and inform practice of health and social care
staff ensuring a person centered and rights-based approach with
people living with dementia. This is an e-learning resource
developed through Queen's University and supported by a number of
stakeholders, including HSC Trusts and the C&V
sector.
Notes to editors:
- The Regional Dementia Care Pathway 2018 sets out a service
model to support the delivery of high-quality dementia care
across Northern Ireland. The Department of Health established
a Regional Dementia Project Board in May 2024 in order to
bring a sharpened focus on improvement in dementia care and
services across the region.
- The Dementia Project Board has an Education, Training and
Research workstream which is supporting the delivery of this
training across the workforce and organisations. The content of
the training programme will be kept under review to ensure it
remains fit for purpose.
- HSC staff can access the Dementia Awareness Training
here. Staff from the
independent and C&V sectors can access it via https://cec.hscni.net/learningcontent/dementia-tier-1/
- The dementia relationship training can be accessed here
https://dementiarelationships.org.uk/
- The HSC Clinical Education Centre (CEC) is a regional service
of the Business Service Organisation (BSO).
