The South Eastern HSC Trust has committed itself to improving the experience for
people with dementia who are admitted to our general hospitals. One of the ways
we will achieve this is through the use of the Butterfly scheme across the hospital.
The Butterfly Scheme helps staff to discreetly identify people whose memory is
permanently affected by dementia and provides staff with a simple, practical
strategy for meeting their needs.
There are three main aims of the Butterfly scheme:
1. To improve safety and well-being of people with dementia admitted to acute
hospital care
2. To support staff and reduce stress
3. To reduce length of stay.
The blue butterfly symbol is used as a discrete identification that a patient has a
diagnosed dementia.
The white butterfly symbol is used for people with 'confusion' not related to
dementia, such as delirium.
These symbols alert staff that the person has individualised needs and the scheme
helps support staff who interact with patients using a 5-part targeted response
aimed at effective communication.
To work in partnership with family members and to facilitate effective care planning
there is 'REACH out to me' sheet which can be completed by the next of kin with
information about the patient's preferences. If this has not already been offered
please ask a member of staff about it.