A quarter of 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 embarked on a new campaign to raise awareness of dementia for staff in our hospitals and working in the community.
More than 12,500 staff 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.
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.
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The Barbara effect – video transcript
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 barbarasstory@gstt.nhs.uk
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
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Find out more
For more information about Barbara’s Story, email barbarasstory@gstt.nhs.uk.