GPs to receive dementia training
Monday, December 22 02:45 pm
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Every GP is to be trained to spot the first signs of dementia under a new Government scheme.
Monday, December 22 02:45 pm
Print Story
Every GP is to be trained to spot the first signs of dementia under a new Government scheme.
A total of 700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia and the number of sufferers is set to double or triple.
Care Services Minister Phil Hope has said that "memory clinics" will be set up in every town as places where patients can get treatment and support to live their lives as normally as possible.
A national dementia strategy will be launched next month which could save nearly £1 billion while providing better care, Mr Hope said.
He said: "We want to see every GP trained to recognise the symptoms of early dementia and patients referred to specialist services in every area where they would get a proper diagnosis.
"As well as national training for GPs, we'd like to see memory clinics in every town where people can go for treatment and support to help them live their life as normally as possible."
He added: "This could be provided by a range of different people, from geriatricians and psychiatrists to local GPs with a specialist interest, working in partnership and possibly involving the voluntary sector."
A Department of Health spokeswoman said: "We want to make sure that every GP is trained to spot the first signs of dementia, and to refer patients on to specialists.
"The Department of Health will work with all relevant medical and nursing organisations - including the Royal College of GPs, Skills for Care and the NHS - to make sure that appropriate training is provided for medical students, and we will create opportunities for post-graduate education and training in dementia."
Care Services Minister Phil Hope has said that "memory clinics" will be set up in every town as places where patients can get treatment and support to live their lives as normally as possible.
A national dementia strategy will be launched next month which could save nearly £1 billion while providing better care, Mr Hope said.
He said: "We want to see every GP trained to recognise the symptoms of early dementia and patients referred to specialist services in every area where they would get a proper diagnosis.
"As well as national training for GPs, we'd like to see memory clinics in every town where people can go for treatment and support to help them live their life as normally as possible."
He added: "This could be provided by a range of different people, from geriatricians and psychiatrists to local GPs with a specialist interest, working in partnership and possibly involving the voluntary sector."
A Department of Health spokeswoman said: "We want to make sure that every GP is trained to spot the first signs of dementia, and to refer patients on to specialists.
"The Department of Health will work with all relevant medical and nursing organisations - including the Royal College of GPs, Skills for Care and the NHS - to make sure that appropriate training is provided for medical students, and we will create opportunities for post-graduate education and training in dementia."
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