New specialist nurses introduced at Fife care company

These include lead nurse practitioners in learning disability, older people, and dementia.

The newest recruit to the specialist nursing team is Dolores Jackson who joined Raith Manor in Kirkcaldy as a dementia nurse specialist.

She said: "I am delighted to be joining Abbotsford Care and I am looking forward to getting started as their first dementia specialist nurse.

"My aspirations for Raith Manor are to listen to what is needed and begin to implement ideas. I will be working closely with the residents, their families, and the staff at Raith Manor.

"My vision is to ensure that our residents and their families receive high-quality person-centred care and the support they need".

Emma Bonellie, manager of the 60-bed care home in Kirkcaldy, said: “The newly formed Dementia Ambassador Team have already been working on new initiatives.

"It is great to have someone with Dolores skills and knowledge join the team. I am looking forward to supporting them to continue the early success of the program.”

Dolores joins the recently developed dementia ambassador team at Raith Manor and will support the new team to explore ideas, share knowledge and support best practice in dementia care.

The team recently won an internal competition for their designs, working with residents, of memory boxes, during lockdown.

Karen McKechnie, company director, chose them as winners in the category for their sensory benefits and the use of different textures, colours and objects within the boxes that meant they stood out visually.

Karen said: “Dolores is currently undertaking her MSc in dementia studies at Stirling University and I am looking forward to seeing how she develops the role of the specialist dementia nurse.

"Dolores will work alongside the care team in regular daily contact with the residents to ensure the implementation and maintenance of a collaborative quality assured service. She will also support the dementia ambassadors across the organisation.

"The skills and expertise of the lead practitioner will also provide families and staff with specialist advice, knowledge, and support.”

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