Dementia Support Line
Responding to the government's announcement of £140m to ease NHS winter pressures
The government has announced a £140 million boost to urgent care to ease winter pressures in the NHS.
Alzheimer's Society's response
Michelle Dyson CB, Alzheimer’s Society’s CEO, said: 'Dementia is a key part of the challenge with NHS winter pressures and this investment in urgent care is welcome.
'But upgrades and expansions will only go so far unless the UK government also tackles unnecessary hospitalisations and delays in discharging people living with dementia, which happen winter after winter.
Alzheimer’s Society and HSJ Information analysed NHS England data:
In 2025 almost 29,000 dementia patients were kept in hospital for at least a week after they were declared fit to leave, accounting for 584,080 bed days and a cost of £328 million to the NHS.
The Modern Service Framework for Dementia and Frailty could relieve pressure on the NHS
Michelle adds: 'The government has the opportunity to break this cycle, once and for all, with the Modern Service Framework for Dementia and Frailty, due to be published before the end of the year.
'Earlier diagnosis, access to appropriate care services and better community-level support would significantly reduce avoidable hospital stays and ease pressure on an already stretched NHS.'
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