NHS England has committed to invest £90 m to diagnose two-thirds of people with dementia by March 2015. Jeremy Hunt, The Health Secretary, has also challenged the NHS to bring down the average wait for an assessment for dementia to six weeks from GP referral in each area of England.
Three-quarters of memory services offer people an assessment within an average of six weeks but in some areas the wait can be up to 25 weeks.
The Department of Health has also set out its ambition for people with dementia and their carers to have a timely assessment of their condition and diagnosis; someone who can help and advise, such as a dementia adviser; a tailored plan of care; support to remain as independent as possible; access to high-quality personalised information to help understand and manage their condition; access to support services such as reminiscence and counseling; co-ordinated care towards the end of life; timely access to support for carers; and seamless care with health and social care professionals working together to provide the best care and support.
