My sister and I have embarked on this campaign with heavy hearts and a strong resolve because of a personal experience that has profoundly affected us. Our beloved mother, who bravely battles Alzheimer's, recently had a hospital stay at our local facility. This stay, instead of being a healing and supportive time, turned into a nightmare due to the lack of specialist care and basic human dignity afforded to those with Alzheimer's and dementia. Our mother, who deserves compassion and understanding, was met with indifference and a lack of specialized knowledge crucial to her well-being.

This is not just our mother's story. Sadly, it is a story shared by countless families across the UK. The stark reality is that our healthcare system is failing individuals with Alzheimer's and dementia, robbing them of the calm, safe, and supportive care environment every human being deserves. Statistics from the Alzheimer's Society highlight that over 850,000 people in the UK have dementia, a number projected to increase to over a million by 2025. Many of these individuals will at some point require hospital care, yet too many NHS hospitals lack trained staff who can address their unique needs effectively.

Our vision is clear and urgent: a healthcare system where every person living with Alzheimer's and dementia receives specialist care in a calm, safe, and supportive environment. This must be delivered by trained staff who understand their needs and uphold their dignity. We believe that a comprehensive training program for hospital staff, focusing on the specialised care required for Alzheimer's and dementia patients, is crucial. Implementing this training will not only benefit patients but also relieve stress on families who are often forced into roles of advocacy and care due to systemic shortcomings.

Our campaign calls for the introduction of specialist dementia assessment wards, where patients can be safely and appropriately assessed by trained professionals before being transferred to the ward best suited to their individual medical needs.

We are calling on the NHS and healthcare administrators to prioritise this issue, increase funding for specialist training programmes, and put clear protocols in place to ensure patients are treated with respect and dignity, and receive the comprehensive care they need.

Our healthcare system must evolve to meet the needs of all its members — especially the most vulnerable.

Join us in advocating for this change by signing our petition. Each signature represents a commitment to transforming the current standard of care into one that respects and cherishes the dignity of everyone, including those battling Alzheimer's and dementia. Help us ensure that no other family has to endure what we have, and together, let's build a future of compassionate and specialized care for all.