Agenda item

Purpose: To review dementia diagnosis, treatment and support services in West Berkshire.

Paul Coe (Adult Social Care and Public Health Executive Director), Suzanne Wilson (Service Manager for Older People's Mental Health, Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust), Natraj Sauba (Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust), and Helen Clark (Associate Director of Place, Berkshire West BOB ICB) presented on dementia and the memory clinic (Agenda item 7).

During the debate the following points were discussed:

·       The diagnosis rate in West Berkshire was 63.7%, slightly below the national average of 65%. This figure reflected the proportion of people with dementia who had been formally diagnosed and were known to statutory services. Concerns were raised about the low diagnosis rate and what measures could be taken to improve early identification.

·       Public awareness and access to diagnostic services were identified as key factors in improving diagnosis rates. The role of GPs  was highlighted in identifying memory concerns and referring patients for further assessment.

·       Suzanne Wilson provided an overview of the memory clinic service, which was part of the Community Mental Health Team based at Beechcroft House. The memory clinic offered assessments for dementia and other memory-related conditions, as well as post-diagnostic support. Referrals to the memory clinic were received from GPs, who conducted initial assessments to rule out physical health issues or mood-related conditions that might impact memory.

·       The clinic had seen significant improvements in waiting times, with the number of patients waiting reduced from 164 in December to 57 in August. The mean waiting time had decreased to 14 weeks, attributed to being fully staffed and implementing measures to increase appointment availability.

·       Urgent cases were prioritised, with referrals escalated to the home treatment team for immediate support if necessary. The clinic offered an "Understanding Dementia" course for carers and cognitive stimulation therapy for patients, both of which had received excellent feedback.

·       Suzanne Wilson expressed optimism about sustaining the improvements in waiting times but noted that staffing levels would remain a critical factor.

·       Natraj Sauba highlighted the challenge of recruiting full-time consultant psychiatrists in West Berkshire but reassured the committee that recruitment efforts were ongoing.

·       A question was raised about the gender disparity in dementia diagnoses, with more females being diagnosed than males. Paul Coe suggested that this could be due to women living longer but agreed to investigate further and provide comparative national data.

·       Helen Clark confirmed that the Dementia Strategy Group had been re-established and would focus on improving diagnostic pathways and post-diagnostic support. The strategy group would work collaboratively with partners to develop a joined-up approach to dementia care.

·       Concerns were raised about the importance of raising public awareness about dementia, and it was suggested that initiatives like the dementia bus could be revisited to engage the community.

·       Paul Coe mentioned the development of a dementia hub near the community hospital, which was being worked on collaboratively with stakeholders. The Camellia Club at the Fair Close Centre was highlighted as a positive initiative for supporting individuals with dementia.

Action: Paul Coe to investigate the gender disparity in dementia diagnoses and provide comparative national data.

Action: Paul Coe to look into the possibility of revisiting the dementia bus initiative to raise public awareness.

Action: Helen Clark to provide a written update on the dementia for the December meeting.