Specialist dementia nursing programme recommissioned

Published on 1, July, 2025

A specialist dementia nursing programme - recently evaluated by the University of Sunderland - is set to continue in South Tyneside.

The South Tyneside Admiral Nurse Programme, which aims to improve the quality and experiences of families affected by dementia, has been recommissioned by South Tyneside Health Collaboration for a further year.

First introduced in May 2022, the service supports anyone who is affected by dementia and registered with a GP in South Tyneside. Referrals to the service can be made by all health and social care providers working in South Tyneside.

Four dementia specialist Admiral Nurses offer support to carers from pre-diagnosis through to end of life care and bereavement support, as well as working with other healthcare professionals in the area to promote best practice in dementia care.

The University of Sunderland’s Helen McArdle Nursing and Care Research Institute evaluated the service in late 2024, surveying 56 families and 44 local healthcare professionals to explore the impact the service has had.

All the families who were surveyed rated the Admiral Nurse Service as either good or very good, frequently praising the responsiveness and wide range of support provided including home visits and the amount of time offered to people affected by dementia.

Meanwhile, 84.6% of healthcare professionals reported that the Admiral Nurse Service has improved access to support services for families affected by dementia, and two thirds of families who have had long-term support from the service said they felt they had all the support they need.

The evaluation also identified the Admiral Nurse Service’s integral role in helping families choose appropriate care options – offering practical and emotional support for those moving into residential care and those who choose to remain at home.

One family supported by the service and interviewed for the evaluation praised the service, saying: "I could contact the Admiral Nurse at any time and she’d get back to me and give me help and advice. She was like a guardian angel."

Dr Heather Yemm, Research Fellow at the Helen McArdle Nursing and Care Research Institute, University of Sunderland, said: "The findings of the evaluation show how valued the Admiral Nurse service is to families affected by dementia living in South Tyneside, and the difference that the support given has made to their day to day lives."

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Supported by specialist dementia nursing charity Dementia UK, Admiral Nurses offer free practical and emotional support for anyone affected by dementia through local services and the charity’s national Helpline and virtual clinics.

Lisa Marshall, Lead Admiral Nurse for the South Tyneside Service, said: "I’m so pleased that the service has been recommissioned. Dementia is a huge and growing challenge for families and health and social care services, and we’ve seen the positive impact our service has had in the area since we launched in 2022.

"As Admiral Nurses we understand the challenges faced by both families affected by dementia and healthcare professionals, and are able to work with all parties to ensure people receive the support that is right for them at all stages of the condition."

Tara Burrell, Chief Executive Officer of South Tyneside Health Collaboration, said: "We are thrilled that the Admiral Nurse service has been recommissioned which reflects South Tyneside's deep commitment to families affected by dementia. We’re especially grateful to Lisa Marshall, our Lead Admiral Nurse, whose leadership, warmth and dedication have been instrumental in shaping such a trusted and compassionate service, offering not just care, but real hope and support when it’s needed most."