WEDNESDAY, 2 NOVEMBER, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: PHOTO ATTACHED GROUP MEMBERS ROD SOUTAR AND BERT MASSARI WITH CLINICAL SUPPORT WORKER ASHLEY MCGEE AND SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPIST JENNIFER KEIR

Speech and Language Therapy Team shortlisted for award

NHS Tayside’s Speech and Language Therapy Team was shortlisted from over 80 applicants to the final three in the category ‘Best Community Support Initiative’ at Scotland’s Dementia Awards, run by Alzheimer’s Scotland.

The team, based at Royal Victoria Hospital, developed a new group therapy programme for people with dementia.  Specifically in the post-diagnostic phase of diagnosis and with a focus on the language-based types of dementia, participants were invited to a weekly ‘Confident Conversations’ programme.  Communication strategies were introduced to keep conversations moving and group members developed confidence both within and outwith the group. 

Feedback from the group and their families was positive, with members reporting increased confidence and hope. Others reported that the group had helped them to adjust to living well with dementia. The support and camaraderie of the group sessions was also cited as one of the reasons for the programme’s success.

Jennifer Keir, Specialist Speech and Language Therapist, said, “Although our team didn’t win the category this year, we felt privileged and proud to have reached the finals.

“Representing a small profession in such a public way can only generate increased knowledge and awareness of the speech and language therapist role. 

“Members of our group who we invited to the awards ceremony enjoyed the day and found plenty of opportunities to practice their conversation confidence! Our congratulations go to all the participants and finalists.”

Contact:

Gaynyr Dickson

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138