Taking dementia care to the high street: Dementia UK and Nationwide Building Society clinics programme
Abstract
Introduction
When facing a sharp rise in the number of people living with dementia in Northern Ireland, delays in receiving a timely diagnosis and accessing specialist dementia support, it is imperative to find new ways to bring dementia care closer to home.
An innovative 3-year partnership, established in 2024, between Dementia UK and Nationwide Building Society, aims to provide specialist nursing support to 100,000 families living with dementia across the UK. Recurrent clinics are delivered in Nationwide high street branches across Northern Ireland by a specialist dementia nurse, known as an Admiral Nurse.
Method
The Admiral Nurse delivers tailored support through clinics in all 13 Nationwide branches across Northern Ireland. Appointments are free, 45-minutes in length, and take place within a confidential room within the branch. Anyone affected by dementia, whether they have concerns about cognitive decline or a confirmed diagnosis, can access an appointment. You do not need to be a Nationwide customer.
Results
50 feedback surveys were collected from June 2024 to September 2025 regarding clinic experience. Results highlighted the benefits of the accessibility of appointments, with 100% agreeing that it was good having the appointment somewhere local. Where we hear that healthcare appointments can feel rushed, 100% of those accessing the clinics felt that they had enough time in their appointment, providing insight into the ways in which person-centred care can be achieved through this model.
Conclusion
This unique collaboration showcases the benefits of delivering support in non-clinical environments, avoiding complex referral processes, and breaking down stigma and barriers. Where there can be long waiting lists for dementia diagnosis and/or support, the clinics plug a gap and offer timely support. Through links with local organisations and groups, it proves how high street clinics can be integrated into dementia pathways.