Mental Health Nurse/DIST Practitioner

The Dementia Intensive Support Team works with people with either a known or suspected dementia in the West of Suffolk. The team’s base is in Bury St Edmunds. The team is made up of multi-disciplinary health professionals and support workers who work closely with other health, social care and voluntary sector teams to achieve positive outcomes for people experiencing dementia. The key aims of the team are: •To promote independence •To help people who can be treated at home to avoid unnecessary admissions to hospital •To help people leave hospital as soon as possible with the right care and support •To help people avoid moving into care homes while they can still be supported in their own home. The team is proactive in positive risk taking and engaging with people who are resistant to input and support, with a view to preventing crisis situations. The team has an open referral system so that early intervention can be achieved.