Edinburgh GPs to host new dementia service for patients

Dementia specialist nurse, Lindsay White, will be leading the new clinics-based service for families affected by the condition living in the Capital.

Dementia specialist nurse, Lindsay White, will be leading the new clinics-based service.

Currently, the service is available to carers registered within 6 practices which are: Pentlands, Crammond, Park Grove, Bangholme, Stockbridge Green and Dr Twiddy, Thyne and Partners GP practice.

Run by Dementia UK and local GP surgeries the clinics will be run by an experienced specialist nurse aiming to provide support in the community.

Each of the nurses has expert knowledge of the local services and how they can be accessed.

Ms While has over 15 years experience working with people with dementia and their carers in a wide range of settings including in hospitals, memory services, acute care, residential/nursing homes and the community.

She White said: “Families living with the condition may not know who to turn to in a system which can see dementia fall between health and social care. That’s why having a dementia specialist service in this area is so crucial, to provide expert support so families can manage the emotional and practical challenges of living with dementia.

“I’m really proud to be joining this service and look forward to growing the team.”

Director of Clinical Services at Dementia UK Paul Edwards said: “ The pandemic has placed extreme pressures on families with dementia; support services have closed down and families have been left not knowing where or who to turn to.

“With her in-depth knowledge of the local health and social systems and empathy for the challenges which families with the condition face, Lindsay will provide that direction and support which so many family carers need.”

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