Dementia prioritised in revised NHS framework

PCTs and their partners will now have to publish plans for dementia, putting pressure on a third of PCTs who currently have no plans in place. 'Pathway tariffs' which could attach money to a person's care across different settings and more support for intermediate care were also highlighted.

 Alzheimer's Society comment:

'Today's news that the new government is addressing the failure to prioritise dementia in the NHS Operating Framework is both welcome and exciting. It was a disappointing setback when dementia wasn't included in the framework and more recently a third of PCTs missed important deadlines to have joint strategies for dementia in place. With a million people set to develop dementia in the next ten years and up to a quarter of all hospital beds occupied by people with the condition, the NHS must take dementia seriously.'

'Proposals for 'pathway tariffs' and expanding 're-enablement support' show huge promise to improving care for 750, 000 people with dementia and their carers.  We now need more detail to find out if they could help to deliver the National Dementia Strategy for England at a local level and change lives. Any move towards local accountability must not mean a move away from national leadership.'

Ruth Sutherland
Acting Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society
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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