GWENT POLICE becomes the first police force in Wales to adopt a scheme which gives those people living with dementia the support they need.
A new scheme run between Gwent Police, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Gwent Regional Partnership board and the Alzheimer’s Society Cymru has launched across Gwent. The dementia wristband scheme means emergency service workers can easily identify and get the right help and support for those living with the condition.
As part of a pilot over 80 local residents will be offered the band which will link care providers with emergency service workers.
Ahead of the launch, Chief Inspector Stephanie Blakemore said: “Living with dementia is often scary and leaves you feeling lonely.
“When someone with dementia requires help from emergency service practitioners, it requires a vast amount of work to gather all the information to correctly care for that person.
“The wristband visually informs the public, emergency service workers and other care providers that the individual is living with dementia.”
This scheme bolsters the Herbert Protocol which Gwent Police alongside the other Welsh forces support. The scheme provides valuable information on anyone living with dementia and other neurological conditions.
The protocol provides emergency service workers with information on medication, contact information, frequently visited places and a recent photograph.
Cllr Paul Cockeram, Gwent Regional Partnership Board Chair said: “If a person gets lost or confused when out in the community, it can be an extremely upsetting experience for both the person living with dementia, their family and carers.
“The Gwent Regional Partnership Board are pleased to support Gwent Police and partners as the first area in Wales to trial this technology.
“The wristbands will contain essential information, including the wearers name and next of kin details, which can be accessed by community members through an app on their phone should they find someone in need of help and support.
“This technology is not a replacement for good care, but will act as an added layer of safeguarding alongside the Herbert Protocol, to help keep people safe, as people continue to do what is important to them to live well.”
To find out more please visit https://www.gwent.police.uk/notices/af/herbert-protocol/ or email [email protected]
