Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s Dementia Champion and Falls Lead Francesca Hall, has scooped a local award.
Clinching Nurse of The Year at the Blackpool Gazette’s Best of Health Awards recently, Fran is over the moon to win another accolade.
She was nominated for her outstanding work to help those living with dementia.
She said: “I am very proud to be a dementia and Butterfly Scheme champion and take my role seriously. I am really proud to win the Gazette’s award –
I want to improve the care for those with dementia.”
Inspired by the national dementia Butterfly Scheme founded by Barbara Hodkinson, Fran created ‘Team Butterfly’, a group of healthcare professionals interested in helping those with dementia. So far, Team Butterfly has raised more than £6,000 to enhance dementia care.
Starting her career as a carer, before becoming a healthcare assistant, then a nurse, Fran, 28, spent a lot of time within the care for the older person division, where her passion began. She had always dreamed of being a nurse.
Fran said: “I was sent on a course at University of Central Lancashire a few years ago. My tutor Eve Potts was amazing and taught me all about dementia friendly environments and dementia friendly activities which enabled me to go forward with my plans.”
Last year, Fran also won Radio Wave’s Unsung Hero Award at the Trust’s Celebrating Success Ball for her dedication to dementia care.
Fran has also been instrumental in the organising of the Butterfly Ball which will be held at the Hilton Hotel, Blackpool on October 21, to raise money for the hospital’s charity, part of which helps with dementia care.
She added: “I hope winning this award will encourage others to fundraise for our hospital charity Blue Skies in particular the Peace of Mind Appeal to do what we can for patient care.”
Tickets for the Butterfly Ball can be purchased from the Blue Skies office at Blackpool Victoria hospital or from Notarianni’s on Waterloo Road.