Published on: 3 May 2024
A Derbyshire Healthcare Advanced Clinical Practitioner based in Derbyshire has been shortlisted for a National Dementia Care Award for an article she had published in the British Journal of Nursing on alcohol-related dementia.
Lesley Fitzpatrick, an Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, published the article along with Gerri Mortimore – Associate Professor, Department of Health, Psychology and Social Care at the University of Derby – to discuss alcohol-related dementia and its impact on the brain.
The National Dementia Care Awards celebrates outstanding practice in dementia services and recognises a commitment to deliver outcome focused, person centred care for people living with dementia. Lesley has been selected as a finalist for the Dementia Care Innovator Award category for showcasing innovative and advanced working across dementia care.
The article covers the association between alcohol use and changes in cognitive function and dementia, asks whether alcohol is taken seriously as a key factor of dementia, and looks at how nurses tackle prevention and whether there is substantial research available focusing on alcohol-related dementia.
Lesley has worked as a registered mental health nurse for the last 22 years and is currently working in Older People’s Acute Inpatient care. Prior to becoming an ACP, Lesley worked in Mental Health and Alcohol Liaison for many years, and her interest in how alcohol affects the brain grew from there.
“This is a huge achievement that has come as a complete shock to me”, said Lesley. The article topic was chosen by Lesley to form part of her MSC in Advanced Practice.
“There is little research, evidenced based practice and funding within this area – as it affects a marginalised group of people being alcohol users – so it was a challenge to conduct research into this field. However, it is reassuring to know that my hard work has paid off and been recognised on a national scale.”
Vikki Ashton Taylor, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Delivery Officer at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Lesley with yet more national recognition for her impressive work. She has done well to write about a subject with little research behind it, which is not easy to do. Lesley has shown how far hard work can go when you show an equal level of commitment to unpack a topic worth delving into to support the development of the dementia service she and her team provide in Derbyshire.
“Lesley’s research will help us to view dementia from another angle to support patients to receive the very best, considered care. I look forward to hearing the outcome of these awards in June!”
Winners are expected to be announced during a ceremony at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on Thursday 13 June 2024. To read Lesley’s article visit the British Journal of Nursing website.
