Dementia Support Line
Our response to the publication of the 10 Year Health Plan
The government published its 10 Year Health Plan for England on July 3. It outlines shifts in the way the NHS works, and we're really pleased to see that a commitment to a blueprint for improving dementia care is included.
The plan shows us that the UK Government is listening to the thousands of people living with dementia, their family members and carers – everyone who wants to see better health care that’s closer to home.
Professor Fiona Carragher, Chief Policy and Research Officer at Alzheimer's Society, said:
“Dementia is the biggest health and social care issue of our time and currently costs the UK a staggering £42 billion per year.
“Every day, people living with dementia and their families tell us they want better, easier access to care. That’s why we welcome efforts to bring the NHS closer to home, with more community-based services.
"The NHS 10 Year Plan’s commitment to developing a blueprint for improving dementia care is a hugely positive step forward for the 826,000 people in England living with the condition. It has enormous potential to improve their lives.
Done right, this plan can turbocharge improvements in diagnosis and ensure the treatment and support people receive is timely, tailored and local.
“There are still important questions about how swiftly these plans will be delivered. People living with dementia have already waited too long.
"Alzheimer’s Society is ready to continue working with the Minister for Care and local health leaders to ensure they see benefits quickly and that their voices shape change from the start.”
What we think
Learn about our policy work and what we stand for on a wide range of issues related to dementia. We share the changes we want to see and what we're doing to make a difference.