Healthcare professions from the Japanese Ministry of Health visited a hospital to find out about their pioneering work with dementia sufferers.

The representatives from Tokyo visited Goodmayes Hospital, in Barley Lane, Goodmayes, part of the North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT), on Thursday to learn about how they help people with dementia avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.

Dr Afifa Qazi, consultant old age psychiatrist, spoke to them about her community care model, a practice to support GPs, care homes and community mental health staff.

Michiko Ota, Japanese research assistant, said: “We are trying to find ways to support Japanese people with dementia in the community because too many are currently admitted to psychiatric hospitals.

“We are very lucky to come to NELFT as it is an example of best practice in this field internationally.

“We were very impressed with the welcome and information we received from the Trust, which will help improve our dementia services in Japan.”