John's campaign

Admissions to hospital are difficult experiences for any individual. However, this can be particularly difficult for people living with dementia and cognitive impairment, often resulting in significant distress and deterioration of their condition. When a person with a dementia is admitted to hospital a familiar face can help them feel safe and experience less anxiety.

John's Campaign is named after Dr John Gerrard, who died in November 2014 after a catastrophic stay in hospital. Founded by his daughter Nicci Gerrard, John's Campaign - also described as ‘stay with me’ - encourages hospital staff to recognise the important role of the carer, encouraging partnership working with the overall aim of delivering person centred care and improved outcomes.

Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is committed to John's Campaign and continues to support its principles across both of its sites in Warrington and Halton.

If you are the main carer for a person who is living with dementia or cognitive impairment, we want you to know that you have the right to stay with the person you care for throughout the day or night on our wards and not be restricted by stated visiting hours. However, we understand that this may not be possible for all carers and should not be seen as a duty or responsibility.

A carer is anyone who cares unpaid for a friend or family member who, due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction, cannot cope without their support.

If the person you support is due to attend hospital or is currently an inpatient on one of our wards, please let a member of staff know. There are lots of things we can do to help support you both including completing a ‘this is me’ document and carers passport. We have a supply of foldaway beds for carers to stop overnight if they wish to do so. Dementia leaflets which include helpful information are also available.

Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust also has a team of nurses who specialise in dementia and delirium who can provide practical advice and support to carers. The team can be contacted on 01925 275289. 

To find out more about John’s campaign visit www.johnscampaign.org.uk