Our deputy manager Pam McFall began her dementia care journey in the bustling suburbs of Manila, Philippines, growing up within a large family of nurses and engineers! Inspired by her mother, a psychiatric nurse, Pam always knew that she was destined for a career in healthcare and so become a nurse herself, the fourth generation of women to do so.
In 2012, after qualifying, Pam decided on a bold and life-changing move. While most of her relatives were migrating to the United States, Pam’s adventurous spirit led her to London. Here, she spent five years honing her skills in acute medicine in Harrow’s Northwick Park Hospital before moving to the Lister Hospital in Chelsea, where she focused on A&E and acute assessments. This fast-paced environment exposed her to diverse challenges, but it was here that she found herself increasingly drawn to the care of elderly patients, particularly those living with dementia.
“I felt I could make a real difference to their quality of life,” Pam reflects. However, she soon realised that the acute hospital environment wasn’t always equipped to meet the unique needs of dementia patients. Lengthy hospital stays often increased their anxiety, and the quality of care was undermined by insufficient resources. Lack of understanding from colleagues – such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists and even geriatric consultants – left patients feeling overlooked and misunderstood.
Determined to create change, Pam spearheaded a project with two fellow nurses to improve the experience for patients living with dementia. They designated two rooms within a fourteen-bed ward specifically for dementia care. These spaces were thoughtfully adapted with dementia-friendly signage, tailored menus and pathways that prioritised patients’ best interests. The team introduced keyworkers to provide consistent care and limit interactions with unfamiliar faces, all of which considerably reduced patients’ stress.
The initiative received overwhelmingly positive feedback, improving patient outcomes and reducing anxiety for both patients and staff. “It was heartening to see how small changes could make such a big difference,” Pam says.
Pam and her team collaborated with the Alzheimer’s Society to enhance training for staff and raise hospital-wide awareness. Through quality initiative meetings and a dedicated information booth, the team successfully cascaded their dementia-friendly practices across the hospital.
Finally, after 18 years in acute medicine, Pam decided to move fully into residential care of the elderly. She spent several years in a Bupa care home in Wimbledon before relocating with her family to Eastbourne and joining Ashridge Court Care Centre.
Here, Pam found her calling. “It’s a lovely home with a great team,” she shares. “Every single person values their role and works together to help residents.” The focus on community and personalised care aligns perfectly with her passion for enhancing the lives of those living with dementia.
Pam’s dedication to her profession is matched by her love for her family. Her husband, Jonathan, is a lecturer in visual effects at the National Film and Television School. Together, they have two children: Thomas, 9, a rugby enthusiast and budding taekwondo athlete, and Olivia, 7, who dreams of becoming a doctor.
In their spare time the family loves hiking and exploring the South Coast, taking refreshing dips in the sea. They also share their home with Snowy, a beloved dwarf hamster who has defied the odds by living for three vibrant years – so far!
As she continues her work at Ashridge Court alongside manager Julie Wills and the management team, Pam remains driven by her mission to provide dignified, empathetic care for the elderly.
“I’ve always believed in the power of kindness,” Pam says. “Whether it’s in a hospital ward or a care home, that’s what makes all the difference.”
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