The results of a survey published by The NHS Information Centre indicates that more people with dementia are accessing memory services commissioned by Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) in England which are intended to provide early detection and diagnosis of dementia,
in line with NICE guidance published in 2006. The voluntary survey of PCTs suggests that an average of 951 people per PCT accessed the services in 2010/11, compared to 605 in 2008/09. The survey received 119 responses overall from the 149 PCTs and Care Trusts in England – an 80% response rate. The Department of Health has recently announced that £10 million has been made available to kick start a transformation in the way people with dementia are treated by the NHS. It is expected that this extra funding for memory services will further help to identify people with dementia earlier and treat them more effectively. The investment aims to boost provision of advice and support on memory services, including information about local care and support services. It is expected to fund follow up and review services including peer support, assessment of carers’ needs as well as advice and support on planning for the future. Local authorities and PCTs will decide where the money is best spent in each community.
