A National Audit of Dementia Care report, from December 16, covering 99% of hospitals, makes shocking reading.

The audit included our local Brighton and Sussex hospitals and says significant improvements are needed in care delivery to patients with dementia.

According to the report, basic needs have not been checked, and mental assessments often not done. Most shocking is that two thirds of the nurses admitted to little training in the care they are supposed to provide.

Hospitals may have policies in place for a high standard of care, but the report found they were not often followed.

I hope the people responsible for dementia care in our area are taking note, and will be implementing the report recommendations in a hurry.

Mike Bojczuk, Secretary, Older People’s Council