Kello Hospital in Biggar is the latest site in Lanarkshire to join a groundbreaking initiative to help patients living with dementia.

The hospital has become part of John’s Campaign, which supports people with dementia by ensuring they are surrounded by familiar faces around the clock by letting their family and carers stay with them on the ward.

Senior nurse for Clydesdale, Karen Thompson, of South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership, recently welcomed Gillian Corbett, chief nurse at Wishaw General Hospital and Scottish Ambassador for John’s Campaign, to launch the campaign.

Karen said: “The ethos of John’s Campaign builds on the inclusive ethos of our Community Hospitals as well as our partnership’s vision, Working together to improve health and wellbeing with the community – in the community.”

Representatives from the local community, including Friends of Kello, the voluntary sector, Biggar patient group, Biggar High School, the local minister, priest and hospital chaplain, were also at the launch, which had been coordinated by Kello Hospital’s Sandra Barrie.

Val de Souza, director of Health and Social Care of South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “As a partnership, we are committed to always providing person-centred care for every individual.”