Written Question · S3W-06547 · Session 3
How it plans to prioritise improvement in the diagnosis, care and treatment of dementia sufferers, as referred to in Scottish Budget: Spend…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to prioritise improvement in the diagnosis, care and treatment of dementia sufferers, as referred to in Scottish Budget: Spending Review 2007.
The answer
Dementia is a priorityfor the Scottish Government.
I have establisheda Dementia Forum to provide input and advice on all aspects of the dementia agenda.The forum has contributed to the consideration underway on the development of a dementia based HEAT target forNHS Scotland to drive further change, particularly to reduce undiagnosed dementia.
GPs are already paidfor maintaining a register of those with dementia and for undertaking an assessmentof their mental and physical health needs. A new standard for an integrated care pathway for dementia will be publishednext month which among other key aspects will highlight the need to help both theperson with dementia and their carer. A lead clinician has been appointedin each area to take forward the implementation of this and other standards.
The needs of thosewith dementia and their carers are also being considered in the current review ofNHS Continuing Care which reports early next year. We are also considering whataspects of health improvement and awareness raising are needed for the dementiainterest and will be involving stakeholder organisations including Alzheimer Scotland,Help the Aged and Age Concern in this attention.
The Scottish GovernmentChief Scientist Office is currentlyfunding three research projects on dementia and we have provided over £1 millionthis year to local authorities to support local dementia projects across Scotland through our Mental Health Specific Grant scheme. Fundingis also provided to the Dementia Services Development Centre and to Alzheimer Scotlandfor events and materials that advance understanding and better responses for thosewith dementia and their carers.
I have establisheda Dementia Forum to provide input and advice on all aspects of the dementia agenda.The forum has contributed to the consideration underway on the development of a dementia based HEAT target forNHS Scotland to drive further change, particularly to reduce undiagnosed dementia.
GPs are already paidfor maintaining a register of those with dementia and for undertaking an assessmentof their mental and physical health needs. A new standard for an integrated care pathway for dementia will be publishednext month which among other key aspects will highlight the need to help both theperson with dementia and their carer. A lead clinician has been appointedin each area to take forward the implementation of this and other standards.
The needs of thosewith dementia and their carers are also being considered in the current review ofNHS Continuing Care which reports early next year. We are also considering whataspects of health improvement and awareness raising are needed for the dementiainterest and will be involving stakeholder organisations including Alzheimer Scotland,Help the Aged and Age Concern in this attention.
The Scottish GovernmentChief Scientist Office is currentlyfunding three research projects on dementia and we have provided over £1 millionthis year to local authorities to support local dementia projects across Scotland through our Mental Health Specific Grant scheme. Fundingis also provided to the Dementia Services Development Centre and to Alzheimer Scotlandfor events and materials that advance understanding and better responses for thosewith dementia and their carers.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S3W-06547 by reference.