DEMENTIA patients around the state will soon be benefiting from a program researched and developed right here in the Bega Valley.
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And the woman behind the program, Cath Bateman, was last week awarded a lifetime achievement award by NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner.
Ms Bateman works as a dementia and delirium clinical nurse consultant in the Southern NSW Local Health District and instigated the “golden girls” program – volunteers wearing yellow T-shirts who assist with day-to-day practical assistance and emotional support for dementia patients.
The program was initially set up in 2009 as a Masters of Nursing research project of Ms Bateman’s into dementia patient outcomes and person-centred care.
Ms Bateman said the program was based around the premise busy nursing staff concentrating on health outcomes do not always have enough time to sit down with individual patients to provide emotional security and support.
There may not be family around or close enough to provide that level of support either.
It proved so successful and appreciated by Bega hospital staff and patients alike that it has continued and even been implemented at other hospitals including Pambula, Lismore and Maitland.
Now the good word is being spread even wider, with training and resource material to be distributed right throughout the NSW Health network.
A volunteer training DVD, funded by the NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation and produced locally by Gooseboy Productions – which features local Allied Health professionals and volunteers - will be launched in Sydney on October 10, Ms Bateman said.
The DVD will be accompanied by an implementation guide and a facilitator training manual.
“It is wonderful a local rural service is developing something that’s being rolled out state-wide,” Ms Bateman said.
“There’s also quite a bit of interest from other states and even internationally,” she added.
Ms Bateman said the “golden girls” take on a carer’s role for patients with dementia or delirium.
“These people are quite often anxious and fearful so our volunteers are there for not only practical assistance but emotional support.
“We are very fortunate to have them [volunteers] – they are all wonderful people and are particularly valued by staff and family carers.”
Ms Bateman said the volunteers are so valued, their role has been integrated in to the planning of the South East Regional Hospital (SERH).
“They are very much a part of the care team,” she said.
“Everyone has a positive energy and is quite excited [about the new hospital].”
One such volunteer - Beryl Harris – has been part of the “golden girls” program from the start and recently enjoyed a VIP tour of the SERH site, including having the location of the future volunteers’ space pointed out to her.
Ms Harris was recently announced as the Southern NSW LHD Volunteer of the Year (BDN, 25/7).
Now to add to the ongoing success of the program, Ms Bateman was recently presented with the Judith Meppem Lifetime Achievement Award as part of the NSW Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards.
The second annual awards were presented by Ms Skinner at a special ceremony at Parliament House.
Judith Meppem was the state’s first Chief Nurse, serving in the role from 1990-2002.
Ms Bateman said having a nurse at that level was a significant achievement and she felt very honoured to be presented the award named for her.
“It was certainly very unexpected,” Ms Bateman said.
“We beaver away not for these things, but it is nice to be recognised.”
If anyone is interested in the “golden girls” volunteer program, a training course and recruitment is being planned for early next year.
For details contact Cath Bateman on 6492 9677, or cath.bateman@gsahs.health.nsw.gov.au.