People with dementia in Tayside are set to benefit from a new appointment aimed at improving local services for those affected by the condition.
Dr Robert Boyd (45), previously Collaborative Dementia Workstream Manager with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, has been appointed Consultant Nurse (Dementia), a joint appointment between NHS Tayside and the University of Abertay Dundee.
Dr Boyd, a qualified mental health nurse for over 20 years, aims to study the current systems in place in hospitals, mental health teams and the community throughout Tayside, and share best practice, ultimately improving the therapeutic experience and healthcare outcomes for people with dementia. The post will also involve research and teaching at Abertay University’s Tayside Institute for Health Studies (TIHS).
Dr Boyd said, “I’m in the fortunate position of going in at a grassroots level, seeing what works, pinpointing scope for improvement and, thereafter, sharing good practice. Such a diverse role can only be a good thing for people with dementia and their families who, by the very nature of this appointment, should feel reassured that NHS Tayside see dementia as a priority.”
Welcoming the appointment, Robin Ion, Divisional Leader at TIHS, said, “We are delighted that Robert has joined our team. His appointment will further cement our relationship with NHS Tayside and sends a clear message about Abertay's commitment to mental health, and dementia care in particular.”
Meanwhile, Margaret Simpson, NHS Tayside's Director of Nursing for the Delivery Unit, said, “We are delighted to welcome Robert to NHS Tayside and this very unique post given that it is the only one of its kind in Scotland.
“Robert will be working closely with a wide range of colleagues and, of course, most importantly, people with dementia and their families, to ensure that we provide the best possible care for them. His appointment provides a further opportunity to build on our partnership working with Abertay University.”
There are thought to be around 62,000 people with dementia in Scotland. This figure is expected to rise to 73,000 by 2020 and 104,000 by 2040 (Needs Assessment 2003). NHS Tayside covers a population of almost 388,800, 5,500 of whom have been diagnosed with dementia – a further figure of approximately 450 are newly diagnosed annually.
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Notes for editors
The Tayside Institute for Health Studies at the University of Abertay Dundee aims to function as a centre of excellence in education, training, research and consultancy in health care and to promote and model interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and inter-professional ways of working.
It also facilitates lifelong learning and continuing professional development in healthcare practitioners by providing access to advanced education and training in clinical and research skills and creates opportunities for practitioners to undertake research that will enhance their professional effectiveness.
Picture shows Dr Robert Boyd, newly-appointed Consultant Nurse (Dementia) with the University of Abertay Dundee and NHS Tayside.
For more information, please visit the TIHS website.