Improve access to specialist memory services, by better commissioning.

• Calculate capacity and resource requirements using national Dementia Commissioning Pack cost benefits tool and commissioning specification for memory services.
  • Service specification for dementia: memory service for early diagnosis and intervention
  • Memory assessment service cost / benefit tool
• Working with people using services, design local memory service pathway and referral protocols.
• Commission memory assessment services sufficient to meet estimated local demand.
• Commissioning Guidance – memory services
• Ensure memory services are compliant with NICE standards, and positive practice. Build standards into memory service contracts.
• Guidance and Standards for Diagnosing Dementia

Incentives and levers

• Build into memory service contracts:
  • targets for assessment,
  • standards for the transfer of diagnosis data to primary care
  • the capture of feedback from people using services.
• Audit and monitor activity and delivery of memory assessment targets in-year.
• Introduce CQUIN to specialist memory services to provide liaison with, and training for general practice primary health care teams.