A DEDICATED nurse who has worked tirelessly to make improvements in care particularly for people living with dementia is a finalist for the title of Nurse of the Year in the annual Nursing Times Awards. As dementia clinical nurse specialist at The Princess Alexandra Hospital Trust (PAHT), Caroline Ashton-Gough is devoted to making a difference to the wellbeing of elderly vulnerable patients as well as their families and carers.

Caroline has worked strenuously to build up a range of measures in the hospital care setting, and is also active in raising awareness among the public of issues affecting the elderly. Outside work, she’s working to attain a Doctorate in health research at the University of Hertfordshire, looking at the effect of delirium when superimposed on dementia, and supporting carers, and she also volunteers for the Alzheimer’s society.

Caroline is an invaluable support for elderly patients in the hospital, with a particular focus on the specialist Gibberd Ward which cares for the frail elderly, patients with dementia and also patients who are at the end of life. She has helped develop a team of dementia champions whose role is not only to support these patients but to achieve wider understanding of their needs and experiences. Caroline has vigorously promoted the creation of a sensory garden for Gibberd Ward patients, contributing to fundraising and supporting the volunteers who have developed the wonderful tranquil space for patients to enjoy. Aware of the effectiveness of music therapy in people living with dementia, she has organised weekly Singing for the Brain sessions for patients in the hospital.

In her years as a nurse, Caroline has gained a real understanding of issues that affect people at a vulnerable time. One debilitating condition is delirium, which can affect people at various times, particularly when undergoing certain treatment and in people living with dementia. In order to increase understanding of the condition, Caroline organised a community learning event attended by 150 clinicians and therapists working in hospitals and in the community.

Outside her hospital work, Caroline has been an ardent promoter of understanding of the various needs of elderly patients. Her work has led to invitations to speak at a host of national events, including the Royal Collage of Nursing Congress event in Liverpool and the RCN Delirium Champions Event at the RCN Headquarters in London.

Her nomination stated: “She’s a campaigner, an educator and a researcher but first and foremost she is a nurse who displays the utmost compassion for her patients and colleagues. She has dedicated her life and career to her patients and has shown unwavering commitment to enhancing dementia care specifically.”

Sharon McNally, director of nursing and midwifery at The Princess Alexandra Hospital Trust, said: “Caroline’s genuine compassion and care is outstanding.  She is a really wonderful asset in our hospital and a great support for our patients and their families. She always goes far above and beyond her duties and her quiet energy and dedication are an inspiration to everyone. Huge congratulations for this recognition, it’s truly well deserved.”