Dementia Assessment Nurse

We are seeking an enthusiastic, skilled, and competent mental health nurse with a special interest in the care of older adults to join our Diagnostic Memory Clinic.

The Newham Diagnostic Memory Clinic delivers a dynamic, innovative, and responsive service for a population where dementia diagnosis rates continue to rise. The team provides high-quality, comprehensive assessments and diagnostic pathways for individuals experiencing cognitive decline, working in close partnership with service users, carers, and families. This includes delivering post-diagnostic support and evidence-based interventions that promote independence, social inclusion, and quality of life.

The service works collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, statutory partners, and voluntary sector organisations to ensure coordinated, person-centred care across the dementia pathway.

Main duties of the job

Undertake detailed cognitive, functional, physical, and psycho-social assessments using validated tools (e.g., ACE-III, MoCA) to support accurate diagnosis.

Analyse assessment findings and contribute to diagnostic formulation, identifying differential diagnoses and co-morbidities.

Present cases at MDT meetings and work collaboratively with psychiatrists, psychologists, OTs, to agree diagnostic outcomes and care plans.

Provide clear, compassionate feedback to service users and carers following diagnosis, offering tailored advice, education, and emotional support.

Facilitate nurse-led titration clinics for cognitive enhancers, monitoring effectiveness, side effects, and adherence.

Identify safeguarding concerns, escalate appropriately, and work with partner agencies to protect vulnerable adults.

Complete carer assessments, provide support, and signpost to relevant services and community resources.

Respond to urgent situations, providing rapid assessment and intervention to maintain safety and prevent escalation.

Maintain accurate, timely, and high-quality clinical records in line with Trust and NMC standards.

Participate in audits, QI projects, and service development initiatives to enhance clinical practice and patient experience.

Deliver care that is culturally informed and responsive to the diverse needs of the local population.

Our mission is to make a positive difference to people's lives by improving the quality of life for all we serve. Our values are: We Care, We Respect, We are Inclusive - so we are looking for people who live and breathe these qualities when supporting service users and carers, and in their relationships with colleagues in the Trust and our partner organisations.