Virgin Money is opening dementia clinics in certain branches, in a move dubbed ‘brilliant’ by former ITN presenter John Suchet, whose wife Bonnie died with the disease.
Virgin Money’s owner, Nationwide Building Society, which bought it for £2.9 billion in 2024, already has clinics staffed by Admiral nurses in nearly 250 branches.
The goal is to bring support for sufferers on to the High Street, so patients and carers can get quicker and easier access while the NHS is under strain with long waiting lists.
The Mail is running a ‘Defeat Dementia’ campaign to cut the risk of people developing the condition, boost early diagnosis, fund research and improve care.
‘Brilliant’: Former ITN presenter John Suchet with his late wife Bonnie, who died with dementia
Suchet said: ‘Dementia affects every aspect of someone’s life, so being able to speak to a specialist Admiral Nurse face-to-face about both the practical and emotional challenges dementia can bring can make a huge difference.’
Clinics will initially open in 12 Virgin branches in the North from next month – and in Scotland from July – to anyone, including non-customers. The 45-minute appointments are free and held in a private room. The aim is for clinics in more of Virgin’s 91 branches.
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