article_snippet: Families of dementia patients can see Families of dementia patients loved ones at any time of the day or night after a hospital scrapped traditional visiting hours.
article_snippet: Instead, relatives visiting patients at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust in London will be issued with a special ‘carer’s passport’ to allow relatives visiting patients at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust in London to drop in outside normal hours.
article_snippet: The move aims to help dementia patients feel more settled, as dementia patients can become confused or agitated in an unfamiliar environment.
article_snippet: Jo James, the trust’s lead nurse on dementia, said: ‘Patients who have dementia or are vulnerable often rely on their carers to help guide their through everyday life experiences, including time spent in hospital.
article_snippet: However, traditional visiting times do not enable carers to fulfil this important role.
article_snippet: It is a part of a wider drive to improve care for dementia patients.
article_snippet: Other measures include a weekly drop-in clinic for relatives and friends, and awareness training for all trust staff.