When you are first referred to the Memory Assessment Service, you will be allocated a Memory Support Worker who will be there to support you throughout your journey in the service. They will become your single point of contact for any queries or concerns you may have and help you or your loved ones get the right support.
Who are Memory Support Workers?
All our Memory Support Workers have supported people with memory problems throughout their working lives and live locally, so they know their way around the city’s healthcare and support services. Memory Support Workers are sometimes referred to as “MSWs” for short.
There are five Memory Support Workers in our team – Sam, Elaine, Elija, Kate and Isadora.
What Memory Support Workers do
Our trained Memory Support Workers understand that memory problems affect many aspects of life. When you are referred to the Memory Assessment Service you will be connected with a named Memory Support Worker who will stay in contact with you throughout your journey with the service. They will get to know what’s important to you, help you access any social support and help that you need, and offer advice about everyday living to you and your loved ones.
They will :
Be your named contact with the Memory Assessment Service
Support you throughout the process of assessment and beyond
Have meaningful conversations with you and your loved ones about what matters to you most
Listen to your concerns and answer your questions
Help you access the right support and appointments within the service (because we know the health system is complex)
Provide a care plan and share this with your GP (if we make a diagnosis of dementia or discover you have mild cognitive impairment)
Be available to you on an ad hoc basis – just call us to speak with them
Help you connect to local community and clinical services
Provide advice and guidance to help you with your daily life
Support both you and your loved ones to live well
If you have questions at any point from your referral to the Memory Assessment Service, our Memory Support Workers (and Patient Care Advisers) are there to help you get the answers.
We are able to offer people wraparound support - right from the moment they are referred, through the assessment process and beyond. We are here for people for the rest of their life, as long as they need us.
Sam, Lead Memory Support Worker
How to contact you Memory Support Worker
You are encouraged to contact your Memory Support Worker whenever you need them by phone (or email if you prefer). Your call or email will be taken by one of our Patient Care Advisors who will arrange a time for you to speak with your Memory Support Worker. They will help you get the support that you need.
Our phone number is 0300 555 0175 and our email address is mas.enquiries@nhs.net.
