Moves to set up memory clinics and to employ dementia advisors are just two of the initiatives underway in Staffordshire to improve dementia services.
Money has been set aside by Staffordshire PCT for the clinics, advisors and for training GPs and carers.
The Joint Commissioning Unit – made up of Staffordshire County Council, South Staffordshire PCT and NHS North Staffordshire – is in the process of commissioning these services due to start in summer this year.
Memory clinics will take referrals from GPs, social care, health, the third sector, carers and service users. Patients will be provided with a diagnosis within eight to ten weeks of referral, a care plan, links to welfare benefit checks, a medicine use review, assessment for social work referrals, and on going links to the dementia advisor.
Dementia advisors will visit individuals with suspected dementia at home prior to attending the clinic, and will be in attendance during assessments.
Dr Ian Greaves, GP and clinical champion for the PCT, has designed a training package for GPs, and has been instrumental in helping to develop services.
There is now a local South Staffordshire Dementia Strategy in place and a joint strategic needs assessment has been completed to look at predicted growth of the condition in the county.
NHS North Staffordshire is working on its gap analysis and mapping existing services. Commissioning Manager for older people, Sally Young, is working on the end of life pathway for people with dementia across all trusts.
A number of other initiatives in the County are also in place. For information contact Sally on telephone: 078176 83092 or email Sally.young2@staffordshire.gov.uk
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