Advice

Your responses to the government consultation on a new 10-year health plan will help shape future change

The government’s consultation on its 10-year plan to reform the health service in England is an opportunity for people affected by dementia to have their say.

‘In addition to submitting our own response to the consultation, we encouraged staff and supporters to share their experiences,’ says Kath Falconer, National Influencing Officer at Alzheimer's Society.

Three ‘shifts’

The plan focuses on three ‘shifts’, which the government says are key to long-term change:

• Moving more care from hospitals to homes and communities
• Making better use of technology
• Shifting from not just treating illness but preventing it.

Three people living with dementia who added their voices to the consultation were Philip Angrave, Pete Middleton and Anita Goundry.

Hospital to community 

Former nurse Philip, in Kent, is cautiously optimistic about the proposal to shift some care from hospitals.

‘I’m all for it in principle, it’s something that has been talked about for many decades. But we need to know the finer detail. 

What exactly does the government anticipate moving into the community, and how will that benefit people who are living with dementia and those supporting them?

‘There’s not a one-size-fits-all solution to care – everyone has a different experience. Everybody’s needs are unique.’

Better technology for dementia

Pete, in Northamptonshire, is passionate about digital innovation and its future role in health and social care.

‘I think the possibilities are vast. As well as keeping people more independent for longer, technology can enhance the diagnosis of dementia and delivery of services. For example, AI has the potential to play a big role in detecting early signs of cognitive decline.

But I also understand the fear of technology that exists in some people. And it’s no good having technology that only the rich can afford.

‘We need to make sure that everyone can access tech and training is available to help people use it.’

More dementia prevention

Anita, in County Durham, had a prolonged and difficult dementia diagnosis. Her experience means that she broadly supports the idea of a health service that doesn’t just treat illness but helps people stay healthy.

There are things we can do to lower the risk of developing dementia. Faster diagnosis and better support can also slow its progression, explains Anita.

‘Once you get a diagnosis, you can access support and medication that can help you live well. 

The physical stress of the diagnostic process was so bad for me that it further affected my cognitive skills on top of the dementia. When I finally got a diagnosis, it lifted that added stress.

‘This shift would make financial sense too. If I had been diagnosed and treated earlier, I could have worked the last 12 years. Economically this country would have been better off.’

What next for the 10-year health plan?

‘We’re watching the progress of the 10-year plan keenly,’ says Kath.

‘We’ve been talking with key people involved. We want to make sure they hear about the importance of prioritising dementia.

‘We are also campaigning on the upcoming Spending Review, where each government department is told how much they’re allowed to spend in the coming years. 

‘If the 10-year plan is going to reflect our priorities, there has to be money available to deliver on its commitments.’

The key issue with any form of consultation is what happens next, agrees Phil.

It’s great that people are asked for their views, but the government must act on what people say. It has to deliver.