David Cameron announces new measures to improve hospital dementia care

According to the announcement, dementia champions will be installed on every NHS ward,  there will be a dementia nursing expert in each NHS organisation and commitments have been made  to train staff by making online learning packages available.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'People with dementia occupy a quarter of hospital beds yet many are not receiving the care they deserve. Having a dementia champion on each ward and giving access to online training to all staff could be a way of driving up standards.

'800,000 people in the UK have dementia. We agree that improving hospital care for people with dementia must remain a priority, but the big issue will be whether these laudable aspirations become a reality without specific funding. For those with the condition the proof will be in the pudding.'

Jeremy Hughes

Chief Executive

Alzheimer’s Society

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Notes to editors:

• One in three people over 65 will develop 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 has a plan to deal with dementia. Help us support people to live well today and fight for a world without dementia 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 0300 222 11 22 or visit alzheimers.org.uk