A SPECIALIST nurse has been appointed to provide support to families affected by dementia under a free pilot scheme.

Admiral nurse Tia Davolls will help those who care for people living with dementia in Stevenage, which has the highest rate of diagnosis in Hertfordshire.

The pilot will see Tia provide care on behalf of Carers in Hertfordshire, but a permanent appointment is dependent on the scheme’s success.

She said: “Carers are essential in the care of their loved ones, but there can be significant consequences to their own health from the physical and emotional stress of caring.

“I have always had a great admiration for carers so I’m passionate about helping them have a voice, so that both they and the people they are caring for get the right support at the earliest opportunity.”

Stevenage MP Stephen McPartland has backed the scheme – funded by the People’s Health Trust – and showed his support during a visit to Al’s Café, based at Lister Hospital.