Implementation
The review of dementia services across the South West identified some common challenges across the region. We have developed a South West Dementia implementation programme and are working to deliver improvements. The programme is overseen by a multiagency steering group.
The South West Dementia implementation programme is led by:
- David Francis, Policy Implementation Project Manager, Department of Health South West, david.francis@dh.gsi.gov.uk; m – 07909 914710
- Kate Schneider, Programme Lead, Dementia and Mental Health, South West Strategic Health Authority, kate.schneider@southwest.nhs.uk; m – 07973 732766
Local action plans
Each health and social care community has produced an action plan following its review. We have published a report which presents the findings of a review of these action plans and identifies the key themes for local communities to consider. It begins by examining the overall structure and the detail of the plans and then compares activity by each objective of the National Dementia Strategy.
Demonstrator sites
The National Dementia Strategy requires an improved evidence base about the effectiveness of two service models proposed within objectives 4 and 5. There are four dementia demonstrator sites in the South West region.
Regional work streams
The review has identified some common challenges across the region. We will work with people with expertise and influence in these areas to identify solutions so that we can improve services.
Examples include:
- Hospital care – read more about and download presentations from the regional conference on improving dementia care in general hospitals, held at Exeter Racecource on Tuesday 26 January 2010
- Care in care homes – read more about and download reports and leaflets to inform, challenge, prompt and promote ways to improve the experience of people living with dementia in care homes.
- Memory assessment – read more about work to develop improved memory assessment services to enable a year on year increase in the rates of diagnosis of dementia.
- GP awareness
- Care at home /domiciliary care
- Support to carers
- Workforce awareness – read more about and download the information leaflets for ambulance clinicians and hospital staff
Dementia Summit
We hold an annual Dementia Summit to review progress in delivering the the region’s commitment to improve dementia care ahead of the national strategy’s five-year timetable.
Promoting innovative practice
The review identified some excellent initiatives in the South West which others could learn from. We are building up a picture of innovative practice across the region on this website.
Sharing national and international information
The implementation support team has many links outside the region. We will make sure people are aware of national sources of knowledge and best practice guides by linking these through our website and promoting them in our detailed quarterly bulletin and our summary monthly e-bulletin.