YSBYTY Gwynedd has been recognised by the Alzheimer’s Society as part of its work to recognise organisations and individuals supporting awareness around dementia.

Over 300 members of staff are now Dementia Friends at Ysbyty Gwynedd, which is only the second acute hospital in the UK to receive this recognition from the Alzheimer’s Society.

The dementia team became volunteers for the Alzheimer’s Society in 2015 and have since carried out a range of activities and Dementia Friends training sessions to help staff understand more about dementia and how it affects patients and their families.

Delyth Thomas, acute dementia clinical nurse specialist, said: “Being a dementia friend increases our understanding of dementia.

“It also continues to help us inspire others to become dementia friends and champions in order to take action to support people affected by dementia and furthermore, helps to reduce the fear and stigma associated with the disease.”

Eleri Wyn Evans, interim head of nursing at Ysbyty Gwynedd, said the team were extremely proud of their achievement.

She said: “Achieving the status of the first acute hospital in Wales, and second in the UK, is a huge achievement and is a reflection of the hard work and dedication by the staff at the hospital, in particular the hard work that Delyth has provided over the years.

“All of our work from previous years has now come to fruition and it is time for us to celebrate our success. There is still a lot of work ahead for us and we encourage all staff across the health board to become dementia friends.”