Alzheimer’s Society’s response to the General Medical Council’s ‘Tomorrow’s Doctors’ guidance

The review says medical students should be able to carry out a range of skills including filling out a prescription form before they leave university.

 

It follows a survey of 2,400 medical students and junior doctors last year which found that three quarters felt they had put patients at risk because they had not been trained to prescribe drugs properly.

 

'It is vitally important that hospital staff who prescribe drugs are properly trained and confident to do this. Alzheimer's Society welcomes the news that the General Medical Council is addressing this in its new standards for 'tomorrow's doctors'.   

 

'We estimate around 100,000 people with dementia are inappropriately prescribed antipsychotics at any one time. These drugs have limited benefits for people with dementia, can cause serious side effects and increase the risk of death. Better training is needed to inform staff about these dangers and to equip them to deal with challenging behaviour in other ways.

 

'The government is also reviewing the use of antipsychotic drugs. This is a crucial opportunity to address this serious issue and must be published as soon as possible.'

Neil Hunt
Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society

 

Ends

 

Notes to editors 

• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them
• Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Alzheimer's Society needs to raise money to help people live well with dementia today and for research to find a cure for tomorrow. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
• Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk

For futher information please contact the press office on 0207 423 3595 or email the press@alzheimers.org.uk