The Department of Health has launched an e-learning dementia awareness programme for Health and Social Care staff in Northern Ireland.

The training is available to staff in independent, community and voluntary sector roles who work with people living with dementia.

It is the first regional dementia training of its kind and was developed by the HSC Clinical Education Centre in partnership with the Regional Dementia Project Board, Health and Social Care staff, people with dementia, the community and voluntary sector, Queen's University and Ulster University.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said the programme supports the department's commitment to high-quality training for staff working with people living with dementia.

An estimated 25,000 people in Northern Ireland currently live with dementia, with projections showing the figure will reach 43,000 by 2040.

Nesbitt said Northern Ireland is expected to have the highest dementia prevalence rate among UK regions.

The department has also funded specialist dementia relationship training through Queen's University to promote a person-centred, rights-based approach for staff working with people living with dementia.