The family of a man who received care at King’s Mill Hospital before his passing is honouring his memory by raising money to improve dementia services for other patients.
Brian Elgie, who was living with dementia, died in October 2023 at the age of 75.
Brian, from Edwinstowe, was described by his close family as a wonderful grandad, an economics lecturer, and a loyal Yorkshireman who dedicated much of his life to helping others develop their skills.
Following his death, Brian’s wife Mary and daughters Dr Kerry Elgie and Ffion Hawke raised £6,627.19 for Sherwood Forest Hospitals Charity through a fundraising initiative they named Brian’s Brain.
The money raised has already supported several developments, including:
- A campaign pack featuring banners and posters to promote the Dementia Specialist Team to patients and staff, alongside information packs for all wards
- Posters advertising a survey aimed at gathering feedback from patients and carers or families living with dementia
- A full-day training session for the Trust’s Dementia Champions
Dementia pocketbook guides for all clinical staff
Plans are in place to use the remaining funds for further resources and initiatives to support patients and their families throughout both inpatient and outpatient journeys. The money will also contribute to workforce education.
Brian’s story, which highlights recent improvements to dementia care within the Trust, including changes to staff training, was shared at a recent board meeting. From April 2025, Tier 1 dementia training became available to all staff through online learning, while Dementia Champions on each ward are supported to complete Tier 2 training.
Georgina Goulding, Admiral Nurse in the Dementia Specialist Team, said: “By working with Brian’s family and as a direct result of the money they have raised, we are improving care for other patients and their loved ones.
“Since meeting the Elgie family we have developed posters, banners and information packs to raise awareness of the team across the Trust.”
A new Dementia Strategy is due to be published shortly, recognising the Trust’s progress to date and setting out the next steps to further enhance hospital services and prepare staff to deliver high-quality dementia care.
The Dementia Specialist Team holds monthly drop-in clinics across all three hospital sites. These clinics provide opportunities for people to ask questions, receive emotional support, access signposting to other services, and potentially avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.
The upcoming drop-in clinic dates, all from 10.00am to 12.00pm, are:
- King’s Mill: Tuesdays 1st July and 5th August
- Mansfield Community: Fridays 4th July and 1st August
- Newark: Thursdays 3rd July and 7th August
Anyone under Sherwood Forest Hospitals’ care living with dementia who needs support may contact the team at sfh.tr-dementia@nhs.net.
To support Sherwood Forest Hospitals Charity, visit www.sfh-tr.nhs.uk/charity.