Public calls for the NHS to prioritise early diagnosis

Public calls for the NHS to prioritise early diagnosis

An overwhelming number of people believe that the NHS needs to make early diagnosis a priority for dementia (90%), hearing (79%) and sight loss (88%) according to a YouGov poll released today (Thursday 16 September). The results of the survey, which was commissioned by Alzheimer's Society, RNID and the Eye Health Alliance, are being published ahead of fringe events being hosted by the charities at this year's political party conferences.

The poll also found that people recognise an early diagnosis of dementia (69%), hearing loss (59%) and sight loss (64%) would enable people to manage the symptoms of these conditions.

Evidence suggests that an early diagnosis followed by information and support has the potential to save substantial amounts on NHS and social care costs. Savings can be made in a variety of ways including reducing hospital visits and early admission to care homes.

Ruth Sutherland, Interim Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Society, says,

'The public have voiced their concerns. Now it's up to the NHS and care services to listen and take action to improve early diagnosis rates for dementia. Only a third of people with dementia get a formal diagnosis. Without a diagnosis, hundreds of thousands of people aren't able to access support and advice they vitally need and cannot be prescribed treatments that could help slow the progression of the condition.'

RNID Chief Executive, Jackie Ballard, says,

'Hearing loss affects more than half of people over 60 and a screening campaign would help to 'catch it early'. We are delighted to have the public's support for our call for early diagnosis of hearing loss, which would not only help people return to leading fulfilling and active lives, but makes financial sense for the NHS to treat at an early stage before hearing deteriorates and becomes more costly to resolve.'

Heather Marshall, Head of Public Affairs at the Eye Health Alliance, says,

'Sight loss in the UK costs the NHS and social care £2.2 billion a year.  50%* could have been prevented through regular eye tests and early access to sight saving treatments. Not only can substantial savings be made through reducing the high level of avoidable sight loss, but saving a person's sight can dramatically improve their quality of life.'

The three charities will be highlighting the benefits of early diagnosis and intervention at the Political Party Conferences beginning next week.

Anne Powell from Lancashire encouraged her husband Colin to visit his GP after he began having memory problems. Anne says,

'Initially, we were told that Colin's dementia was simply caused by old age. But his problems continued, so I encouraged him to visit his GP again and this time he was referred to a memory clinic.  People shouldn't stick their heads in the sand or be afraid to talk to their GP. Once you get diagnosed, you can plan for the future and there is so much help and support available.'

Leighton Jones from Caerphilly, who got his hearing tested on the advice of an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist when he was 50, says,

'I wasn't keen to wear a hearing aid because of the perceived stigma but, when I was fitted with one, I couldn't believe the many sounds I'd been missing! I can now hear conversations at home and social gatherings much more easily and I gained the confidence to stay in my teaching job until retirement age. I now believe that it's vital that hearing loss is diagnosed as quickly as possible, so that you can take action to improve the quality of your life.'

-Ends-

Key findings

• 90% people believe that the NHS needs to make an early diagnosis a priority for dementia; 79% for hearing loss; 88% for sight loss
• 69% believe an early diagnosis of dementia; 59% hearing loss; 64% sight loss, can help people manage the symptoms of the condition
• 66% believe an early diagnosis of dementia; 54% hearing loss; 59% sight loss, can help people access the right care and support early

Notes to editors:

• The survey was commissioned by Alzheimer's Society, RNID and the Eye Health Alliance. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.  Fieldwork was undertaken between 10 - 14 September 2010. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+). Respondents were asked:

1. To what extent do you agree or disagree that the NHS needs to make an early diagnosis a priority for each of the following?
   i.    dementia
   ii.    hearing loss
   iii.    sight loss
   Sample size for the above question was 4415 adults.
2. Which, if any, of the following do you think an early diagnosis can help with? For dementia, hearing loss and sight loss:
   i.    Managing the symptoms of the condition
   ii.    Helping cares and family members understand their needs
   iii.    Accessing the right care and support early
   iv.    Delivering long term savings for the NHS (e.g. fewer frequent visit to hospitals)
   v.    Enabling people to plan for their future
   vi.    Accessing the right treatments (e.g. drugs, hearing aids etc.)
   vii.    Reducing demand on NHS/ care services
   viii.    None of these

ix.    Sample size for the above question was 2021 adults

• Alzheimer's Society provides information and education, support for carers, and quality day and home care. It funds medical and scientific research and campaigns for improved health and social services and greater public understanding of dementia. Alzheimer's Society provides a national help line on 0845 3000 336 and website alzheimers.org.uk
  
• RNID is the charity working on hearing loss and hearing health. We do this with the help of our members by campaigning and lobbying, raising awareness of deafness and hearing loss, providing services and through social, medical and technical research.
• The Eye Health Alliance is a coalition of the optical bodies and eye care charities who work together to promote eye health for all. We campaign to raise awareness of the importance of eye health for everyone, promote the health benefits of regular eye tests and reduce the high levels of avoidable sight loss in the UK.  http://www.eyehealthalliance.co.uk/

For further information or interviews: 
Alzheimer's Society Press Officer Joanne Beaney on 0207 423 3595 or email joanne.beaney@alzheimers.org.uk
RNID PR Officer Alan Dalziel on telephone 020 7296 8388 or email alan.dalziel@rnid.org.uk
Eye Health Alliance Head of Public Affairs Heather Marshall on 020 7202 8157  or email heathermarshall@aop.org.uk

* Sourced from the RNIB - Cost Oversight? campaign report  http://www.rnib.org.uk/getinvolved/campaign/healthsocialcare/Pages/Cost_Oversight.aspx