Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of progressive conditions that affect the brain, including Alzheimer's disease. As people are living longer, the number of people affected by dementia continues to grow. Symptoms can affect memory, thinking, communication and everyday activities, although every person's experience is unique. People living with dementia are frequently admitted to hospital and may receive care in any ward or speciality.
At Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, we are committed to providing compassionate, person-centred care for people living with dementia, while supporting their families and carers. We do not have a dedicated dementia ward. Instead, patients receive care in the area most appropriate to their clinical needs, with support from specialist services when required.
These pages provide information about dementia care within our Trust, together with resources and support for patients, families and carers.
Carer’s Passport
At East Surrey Hospital we encourage those carers who wish to continue caring to come and help when the person they care for while in hospital. The Carer’s Passport aims to support carers to do this and gives them some additional benefits such as discounted parking and meals in the canteen.
Please let ward staff know that you are a carer and speak to the nurse in charge to obtain your Carer’s Passport.
Visit our carers advice page for more information and advice.
Most of the wards at East Surrey allow open visiting (flexible visiting throughout the day). However, be aware that at times the wards may be busier with staff providing personal care and ward rounds taking place. Also please follow staff advice regarding visiting during outbreaks of infections when the ward may have to limit or stop visiting. Please see additional information regarding visiting on the Supporting patients: Open visiting guidelines.
As a Trust that has open visiting we have signed up to John’s Campaign. This promotes the important role of carers and gives carers the right to continue to support the person with dementia while they are in hospital.
More information about open visiting is on our patients and visitors page.
The Dementia Team consists of a Consultant Admiral Nurse and Dementia Care Coordinator who provide specialist support to patients living with dementia, delirium and other cognitive impairments during their hospital stay. The team works alongside ward staff, patients, families and carers to promote person-centred care, support communication and ensure reasonable adjustments are in place. The Consultant Admiral Nurse role is supported by Dementia UK, helping to bring specialist expertise and support for families affected by dementia.
At SASH we use the Butterfly Scheme for people with dementia or delirium. It aims to alert staff to the specific care approach needed to ensure that patients receive appropriate care and so reduce the person’s stress levels and increase their safety and wellbeing.
A blue butterfly is used where someone has a confirmed diagnosis of dementia and an outline of a butterfly is used where there are memory problems that may be an undiagnosed dementia or delirium. These are placed by the bed and in the notes alerting staff. You can choose not to have the butterfly by the bed if you prefer.
If you require more information please speak to a member of staff or visit the Butterfly Scheme website.
Patients living with dementia, delirium or other communication difficulties, can find an admission to hospital unsettling or distressing due to being in an unfamiliar environment. The About Me document will help our staff have a better understanding of who the person is, so they can deliver care that meets their needs.
The “About Me” document should be completed by the individual(s) who knows the person best and wherever possible, with the patient involved. Staff will then add to the patient’s electronic record also it can be updated as necessary when new information becomes available.
Buttefly volunteers work alongside clinical staff to offer an extra dimension to care by providing social support for patients with dementia and their carers. The volunteers have received some training and are equipped to respond appropriately to the needs of people living with dementia. They help with activities, at meal times or just sit with someone to provide comfort and reassurance.
If you would like to volunteer with us please visit the volunteers page.
Dementia
- Carers of people living with dementia – information sheet
- What is dementia? Information from Dementia UK
- Getting a diagnosis – information from Dementia UK
More advice and information is available on the Dementia UK website
Delirium
Delirium is a sudden change in a person's mental state, causing increased confusion, difficulties with attention, altered awareness, or changes in behaviour. It is common in hospital, particularly during acute illness, and can develop over hours or days. Delirium is usually triggered by an underlying medical problem such as infection, surgery, pain, dehydration, constipation, or certain medications. Unlike dementia, delirium develops suddenly and is often reversible if the cause is identified and treated. People with dementia are at increased risk of developing delirium. If you notice a sudden change in someone's thinking, behaviour or alertness, please let a member of staff know
Our Dementia Strategy (from 2026) aims to ensure that every person living with dementia receives compassionate, person-centred care. We focus on dementia-friendly care, early identification, partnership with families and carers, and supporting staff to deliver high-quality care across all Trust services.
Read our full dementia strategy 2026
