Wiltshire charity Alzheimer’s Support has published a
survey into people’s experiences of being diagnosed with dementia in the
county.
The survey revealed people wait more than a year before
seeking help for memory problems – and then spend another year on waiting lists
before being given a diagnosis.
Wiltshire was already known as one of the worst
performing PCT areas for dementia diagnosis, with 33 per cent currently
diagnosed. The survey revealed that a nine-month
wait for an initial assessment was now typical, followed by a further four to
five month wait for diagnosis by a consultant.
Many are turning to private clinics to avoid waiting lists.
The report also shows that people wait on average 16
months before going to see their GP. The most common reason for the delay was
‘thinking memory loss was normal so there was nothing to worry about.’
A separate survey of GPs found high levels of
frustration at ‘disgraceful’ waiting times for the specialist memory clinics. When
asked how the situation could be improved, many called for more funding for memory
clinics. Others said it was time to re-organise services so that GPs could
diagnose and prescribe for dementia themselves – a solution currently being
explored in a pilot project by NHS Wiltshire and the new Clinical Commissioning
Group.
Anna Littlechild, chief executive of Alzheimer’s
Support, said: “This report shows how far we have to go to improve the
situation for people with dementia and their carers in Wiltshire.
“The memory clinics offer a potentially excellent
service, with highly skilled specialist staff, but they appear to be at
breaking point.
“It is important that people get diagnosed early in their
illness because then they can make choices about their treatment, have memory
enhancing drugs in some cases, and plan for the future. If dementia is picked up early and the type
of dementia diagnosed accurately, there is much that can be done to improve
quality of life for person themselves and their families.”
Dr Steve Rowlands, Chair of the Wiltshire Clinical
Commissioning Group said: “This is a revealing report. Wiltshire CCG will
work constructively with Alzheimer’s Support to ensure the project is
fulfilled, and we look forward working on the next steps.”
Alzheimer’s Support is now planning a year-long project
to support people worried about memory loss. The charity will be recruiting and
training volunteers to help spread the word about the differences between
dementia and normal ageing in GP surgeries and sheltered housing schemes.
The report and project are funded by Comic Relief with
additional funding for the project from Wiltshire Council and NHS Wiltshire. See
the full report at www.alzheimerswiltshire.org.uk
