UK | The UK Government has published its 10-Year Health Plan for England, outlining shifts in the way the NHS works.
Alzheimer’s Society UK said it was really pleased to see that a commitment to a blueprint for improving dementia care has been included.
In a statement, the society said the plan has shown 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 at present, and currently costs the UK a staggering GBP 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,” said Carragher.
"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.”
She added that 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,” said Carragher.
"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.”
Care England, the largest and most diverse representative body for independent adult social care providers, has also welcomed the ambitions of the Government’s 10-Year Health Plan, but warned that without clarity on how adult social care is integrated into delivery, the plan risks being built on fragile foundations.
“This is a plan that talks our language, prevention, personalisation, and community-based care. But we’ve heard similar aspirations before, and the challenge has always been implementation,” said Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England.
“The NHS cannot deliver this vision alone. If adult social care is not put at the centre of delivery, not just as a partner, but as a leader, this plan will falter.”
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