The NHS funding challenge is more important than management change, according to report
Published 24 January 2012
A review of how health and social care systems are coping in the tough economic climate has been published by the Health Select Committee.
Its chair, Rt Hon Stephen Dorrell MP, has said that the NHS funding challenge can only be met by rethinking and redesigning the way health services are delivered now. He said that this should receive more attention than the proposed restructure of the NHS, which has instead dominated the headlines.
Alzheimer's Society comment:
'We undoubtedly need a radical shake up of how we fund health and social care. Dementia costs the UK £20 billion a year and this is set to rise to £27 billion by 2018. Improving dementia services, for example by providing support in the community, can save money and deliver better care for people with the condition. This can only happen if we sort out the woeful communication between the services and end the chronic under-investment in social care. Now is a golden opportunity to develop a system that is sustainable and fit for purpose.'
'Local decision making has the ability to transform dementia care but only if the government ensures that commissioners are held to account. A million people will develop dementia in the next ten years. We must act now.'
Louise Lakey
Policy Manager
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 ten 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
Alzheimer's Society and Tesco have mapped the number of people with dementia in each part of the UK and the percentage who receive a diagnosis. To view the 'Mapping the Dementia Gap' study visit alzheimers-tesco.org.uk
