Alzheimer's Society comment on NICE's launch of new quality standards for dementia care

The Department of Health's National Quality Board had asked NICE to begin its work on quality standards by looking at these three priority areas, along with neonatal care which will be published later.

At the launch, Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley, emphasised the importance of the quality standards and said that they would need to form the basis of commissioning, incentivising payments for good quality services and regulation through the care quality commission.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'It is vitally important that the NHS and local authorities keep asking what difference services can make to people with dementia and their carers. What will deliver the best quality of care and best quality of life? If used properly, these quality standards could make a huge difference to people with dementia and ensure that the services being designed for them are meeting their needs.'

'With the NHS Operating Framework now also calling for PCTs to publish their dementia plans we are beginning to see an increased emphasis on the NHS and local authorities to prove they are delivering on dementia at a local level. Alzheimer's Society looks forward to making sure the voice of people with dementia is heard in services and tracking progress in the years ahead.'

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