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I am writing to you with regards to my concerns about the implementation of greater dementia awareness and good manners within the training of future doctors, particularly in light of recent events regarding the treatment of people with dementia in hospitals .
I am a former carer for my Dad, who had dementia and as a result of our experience I now work for a charity assisting carers navigate through the maze of health and social care. I am also part of Uniting Carers, Dementia UK and have spoken to health professionals about the impact of dementia in our lives. I have heard reassurances from several medical professionals about the improvements being made so that people with dementia and their carers can have a better experience in hospitals.
Recently while travelling on a train I became aware of a group of medical students. I was appalled and horrified to hear one of them complaining that she “had had to spend ½ hour listening to some old woman talking about her dad”.
Her friend responded by saying “oh, what was she mad then?!”
Now I have no medical expertise at all, but I am aware that there are many illnesses that can mimic symptoms of dementia, including brain tumours. There could have been a number of reasons why this particular lady needed to talk about her father. I appreciate that the time doctors spend with patients in acute settings is a contentious issue but is it too much to expect future doctors to appreciate the value of the lives of their patients? After all, the lady in question is probably someone’s mum, sister etc and just because someone is a doctor doesn’t make them immune to illness.
Re: Two thirds of hospital staff think their training in dementia is inadequate
I am writing to you with regards to my concerns about the implementation of greater dementia awareness and good manners within the training of future doctors, particularly in light of recent events regarding the treatment of people with dementia in hospitals .
I am a former carer for my Dad, who had dementia and as a result of our experience I now work for a charity assisting carers navigate through the maze of health and social care. I am also part of Uniting Carers, Dementia UK and have spoken to health professionals about the impact of dementia in our lives. I have heard reassurances from several medical professionals about the improvements being made so that people with dementia and their carers can have a better experience in hospitals.
Recently while travelling on a train I became aware of a group of medical students. I was appalled and horrified to hear one of them complaining that she “had had to spend ½ hour listening to some old woman talking about her dad”.
Her friend responded by saying “oh, what was she mad then?!”
Now I have no medical expertise at all, but I am aware that there are many illnesses that can mimic symptoms of dementia, including brain tumours. There could have been a number of reasons why this particular lady needed to talk about her father. I appreciate that the time doctors spend with patients in acute settings is a contentious issue but is it too much to expect future doctors to appreciate the value of the lives of their patients? After all, the lady in question is probably someone’s mum, sister etc and just because someone is a doctor doesn’t make them immune to illness.
Competing interests: No competing interests