HSE West and North West advancing excellence in Dementia Care through continuous learning and innovation

The second HSE West and North West Dementia Conference recently took place in ATU's Sligo campus, bringing together over 240 healthcare professionals, researchers and advocates to a full day of collaboration and commitment to improving dementia care across the region. Hosted in partnership with ATU, the event highlighted innovation, shared learning and the central importance of lived experience in shaping future services.

Chaired by Paula Noone, Assistant Director of Nursing for Dementia Quality Improvement, HSE West and North West, alongside Consultant Geriatricians Dr Elaine Loughlin University Hospital Galway and Dr Gráinne O’Malley, Sligo University Hospital, the conference created a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange and professional connection.

Dr Elaine Loughlin, Consultant Geriatrician, University Hospital Galway said, “The event’s core aim was to unite healthcare professionals across disciplines to learn, network and inspire one another in their vital work supporting people living with dementia. It also underscored the importance of strong academic partnerships in advancing research and education. Such collaboration is essential in driving innovation and excellence in dementia care through shared knowledge and continuous learning.”

A diverse programme of presentations showcased clinical services, research developments, quality improvement initiatives, and emerging treatments. Attendees also heard powerful perspectives from individuals and families affected by dementia, with the opening address delivered by Global Dementia Ambassador Dr Helen Rochford-Brennan.

Dr Rochford-Brennan, who is living with dementia, delivered a compelling message on the importance of person-centred care saying, “I want to continue doing the things I enjoy and I want to live at home for as long as I’m able to,” she said, reinforcing the need to support independence. She added, “It’s about recognising the richness of every person’s experience and promoting understanding and respect.”

A standout highlight of the day was the formation of a special Dementia Choir, comprising 40 people living with dementia and their families from Aughamore Day Centre, Alzheimer Society of Ireland and St John’s Community Hospital, Ballytivnan. The choir brought energy and emotion to the event, embodying the conference’s emphasis on inclusion and lived experience.

Clinical Nurse Managers Bini Poulose and Clair Culkin reflected, “We were delighted to be invited to establish a dementia choir for this event. It provided people living with dementia with a valuable social outlet, while ensuring that the importance of lived experience remained at the heart of the day’s message.”

The conference also celebrated excellence in dementia care through a series of awards, which had been submitted for adjudication.

• 1st Prize:  Multi-disciplinary team in Sligo Leitrim Memory Assessment and Support Service (MASS)
• 2nd Prize: Cassandra Uí Ghogáin, Falcarragh Community Hospital, Donegal
• 3rd Prize:  Claire McCusker, Senior Speech and Language Therapist, St John’s Community Hospital, Ballytivnan

Dementia remains a major and growing public health challenge in Ireland, driven by an aging population and increasing rates of early-onset diagnoses. There are 11,000 new cases of dementia in Ireland each year. That’s at least 30 people every day, anyone can get dementia, even people in their 30s/40s/50s.
Over 12,000 people are estimated to be living with dementia in the West and North West region alone, according to the 2022 census. Nationally, this figure is projected to exceed 150,000 by 2045, many more people are going to be living with dementia, or supporting a loved one with the condition.

Paula Noone, Assistant Director of Nursing for Dementia Quality Improvement, HSE West and North West said, “The conference highlighted a strong regional focus on quality improvement, with initiatives demonstrating how collaboration with National Dementia Services is enabling more responsive and integrated care pathways. Community programmes such as Parkrun and Dementia are promoting brain health and physical wellbeing through inclusive participation, while the National Ambulance Service showcased advancements in Age Friendly care in pre-hospital settings. Emerging research, including clinical trials and work from the Regional Specialist Memory Service, is also helping to shape the future of dementia care.”

John Fitzmaurice, HSE Integrated Healthcare Area Manager, Sligo, Leitrim, South Donegal and West Cavan in attendance on the day said, “It was really inspiring to witness the dedication across the room, from those serving communities across the country. The commitment and energy on display reflects the outstanding work being done by staff and organisations alike, all united by a shared determination to improve the lives of those affected by dementia and to provide vital support to their families.”

The HSE West and North West Dementia Conference continues to grow as a vital forum for advancing dementia care, reinforcing a shared commitment to innovation, compassion and person-centred practice.