A NEW Alzheimer Scotland dementia nurse consultant has been appointed in the Borders.

Christine Proudfoot commenced her career as a staff nurse in a ward caring for older adults with dementia at Dingelton Hospital over 20 years ago.

Since then, she has worked in a variety of clinical roles within mental health, including senior charge nurse and team manager, with a focus on dementia care and services in the Borders.

She has also worked with the Scottish Government to review the physical care of people with dementia in specialist dementia units across Scotland.

Christine said: “I am excited about the role of Alzheimer’s Scotland dementia nurse consultant and look forward to working with staff and services to continue to improve our care of people with dementia.

“Our aim is always to make a real difference to our patients’ individual journeys.”

Christina’s appointment comes just ahead of Dementia Awareness Week across the UK.

Peter Lerpiniere, associate director of nursing for mental health, added: “We are delighted to welcome Christine into the post of Alzheimer’s Scotland dementia nurse consultant, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience which will undoubtedly benefit our service. It’s important to continually improve our service because as life expectancy increases, so do the number of diagnoses of dementia.”

To coincide with Dementia Awareness Week (June 4 to 10) the dementia service will also celebrate and recognise a different member of the team’s 10 years of service – Max, one of their ‘Pets as Therapy’ dogs.

In 2008, Max was rescued from a local animal shelter and shortly afterwards was registered as a PAT dog. Since then he has been a regular feature at the Galashiels Day Unit (GDU) as well as occasionally visiting Firholm Day Unit in Peebles.

Lesley Elliott, day unit coordinator at the GDU said: “We receive lots of positive feedback about Max including how homely he makes the place feel, the warm welcomes he gives people, how he reminds them about their own family pets and relieves stress.”

For more information visit: daw.alzscot.org