Alzheimer's Society comment: Hospital system on the brink of crisis

Figures revealed by the Royal College of Physicians showed that emergency hospital admissions have risen by nearly 40 per cent (37 per cent) in the past decade whilst general and acute beds have reduced by a third in the past 25 years.

In their report "Hospitals on the Edge," the college shows that pressure on hospital beds and a system struggling to cope with complex needs has left those with conditions like dementia hardest hit. The report shows that older people take up 70 per cent of bed days and identifies lack of continuity of care as a major concern.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'People with dementia occupy a quarter of hospital beds, yet constantly we hear that they face poor quality care from staff not trained in dementia care. Bearing this in mind, these latest findings are alarming but, unfortunately, not surprising.   

It is painfully evident that the healthcare system stands on the brink of crisis. People with dementia are going into hospital unnecessarily, staying in too long and coming out worse. Supporting people to live well at home and reducing the length of time a person stays in hospital can both improve quality of life and save the NHS hundreds of millions per year.'

Jeremy Hughes

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 800,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 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

Press Office  0207 423 3595 Email: press@alzheimers.org.uk