Memory services are available in all Primary Care Trust areas. Data indicate that levels of access vary; similarly access to information at general practice level varies.
The South West Strategic Health Authority has a proposed ambition to increase diagnosis rates to 60% by March 2012. The Quality Outcomes Framework data for November 2010 indicate that the mean diagnosis rate for the South West is 38%, with a range of 47%. In comparison with November 2009, the variance is 8% overall.
Primary Care Trusts have submitted improvement plans to the South West Dementia Partnership, and 12 of the 14 Primary Care Trusts have been allocated non-recurring funding to support implementation.
The priorities for January 2011 to March 2012 are:
- to monitor the implementation of the Guidance on the Commissioning of Memory Assessment Services (December 2010) to ensure implementation in the 2011/12 commissioning round;
- to continue to audit memory assessment activity, and diagnosis rates; provide quarterly data reports to Primary Care Trusts; and provide bespoke support to commissioners to ensure robust improvement plans are being delivered;
- to develop and implement a peer review tool to monitor standards in memory services;
- to support the South West Regional Expert Reference Group and Provider Network for Memory Services, in order to continue to drive quality and productivity.