Hospitals to face financial penalties for readmissions

In his first major speech as the new health secretary, Lansley said that hospitals in England will be paid for initial treatment but not paid again if a patient is brought back in with a related problem.

Alzheimer's Society comment: 

'Hospital fines for inappropriate readmissions are a welcome incentive to ensure people receive the quality care they deserve. If we are to put an end to the shocking revolving door care delivered by many hospitals, the focus must be on quality and providing people with the right 'after care' to allow them to remain independent in the community.'

'People with dementia occupy a quarter of hospital beds and yet a recent Alzheimer's Society report found that the majority leave hospital in worse health than when they arrived.  As we watch the number of people with dementia rise to a million in the next 15 years, training and support in dementia is urgently needed.'

Ruth Sutherland
Acting 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 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In just 15 years 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 supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. 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