Staff training

1 in 4 patients in UK hospitals have a dementia, and the number is growing.

We need to do more for these patients, which is why we have created a campaign to raise awareness of dementia for staff in our hospitals and working in the community.

More than 12,500 staff members have seen Barbara's Story

As part of this initiative, every member of staff must attend an innovative training session, the main focus of which is a short film about Barbara and her experiences during a hospital visit.

All staff are expected to have a good understanding of the issues faced by patients with dementia so they can recognise and support our care for these vulnerable patients. 

So far more than 12,500 have been trained.

Barbara's Story is a powerful reminder of just how important everyone's contribution is when it comes to creating a safe and positive environment.

Staff member

Watch Barbara's Story

You can watch 'Barbara's Story, the full story' on our YouTube channel.

The 'Barbara effect'

Barbara's Story has had a powerful impact. Watch our short film to see how it's affected our staff. 

There is no spoken audio in this video, this is a transcript of the text on the screen:

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

The Barbara effect

We asked staff what they will do differently after watching Barbara's Story.

Here's what they said…

I will smile more

I will always introduce myself

I will take more time to get to know my patient

I will not talk over a patient

I will understand how anxious patients can be

I will be more patient

I will make sure the patient has finished their meal before I clear their plate

I will use a patient's preferred name

I will be a person as well as a professional

I will always be kind and understanding

I will pass on what I have learned about dementia

To find out more about Barbara, email [email protected]

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

Follow us on Twitter @GSTTnhs

Find out more

For more information about Barbara's Story, email [email protected].

Last updated: April 2022

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