2009 Review
Members of the review team were drawn from organisations within the South West, including NHS bodies, adult social care departments, the voluntary sector and carers representatives.
The review process began with the collection of core quantitative and qualitative information provided by each health and social care community, and based on priority themes and standards set out in the National Dementia Strategy. The information received was evaluated by the review group to identify gaps and evidence required, and to inform the focus of the visit to each community.
A planned visit to each community took place over two days. This included meetings with leaders of key organisations and lead commissioners. It also provided the opportunity to engage with clinicians, practitioners, service users and their carers.
At the end of the two-day visit the review team assessed the extent to which there are robust partnerships, commissioning plans, and pathways in place to deliver the National Dementia Strategy, and provided initial feedback on gaps identified and associated actions to the local community.
The visits enabled the review team to examine best practice which most closely mirrors the National Dementia Strategy.
The review team produced written reports for chief officers in each community, indicating where existing action plans need to be revised, and with suggestions of further work and support. There will be an opportunity to draw on the regional support available towards implementing the national dementia strategy.
Overview report
The overview report provides a summary of the findings of a joint review of dementia services across the South West conducted in May – July 2009.
Conference
The South West Dementia Partnership recently organised a conference to present the findings of the review and to discuss the way forward.
This very successful event provided an opportunity for stakeholders from a wide range of agencies and background from the South West, to work together towards improving the experience of people with dementia and their carers, across health services, local authorities and the voluntary sector.