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In-branch dementia clinics a 'wonderful' idea

BBC A Nationwide building society frontage BBC
Anyone will be able to go into a Nationwide branch and ask for 'personalised' dementia advice and support

A man living with dementia has welcomed a building society’s plans to hold free dementia clinics in its branches.

Peter Middleton, who lives in Burton Latimer in Northamptonshire, is living with Alzheimer's disease and said Nationwide's 'Fairer Future' initiative is a "wonderful" idea.

The clinics, in 200 branches of Nationwide, will be led by 30 of the charity Dementia UK's Admiral Nurses - registered nurses who specialise in dementia.

The full roll-out of clinics in branches across the country will start next month.

PA A closeup photo of an elderly man's hands holding a walking stickPA
The initiative marks the first time a major banking provider has offered face-to-face dementia clinics with Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurses

Nearly a million people are living with dementia in the UK today, with the figure expected to increase to 1.6 million by 2040. The annual cost to the UK economy is expected to rise to £90bn by the same year.

The in-branch dementia services will include how to get a diagnoses for the condition, support on care, and emotional support.

Mr Middleton added: "People [with dementia] may get overwhelmed in a bank because of the noise and the amount of information being given to them.

"I've been working as part of a steering group with Santander for a while and it's great to see Dementia UK and Nationwide doing this as well. I can't see any drawbacks."

Dr Hilda Hayo, the chief executive of Dementia UK and visiting fellow at the University of Northampton in dementia studies, said "anyone" can visit the clinics and will be given a "personalised focus".

Free clinic appointments in branches will be able to be booked on set dates.

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