Andy Burnham Urged to Set Dementia Waiting-Time Target
BBC News reports on calls for Prime Minister Andy Burnham to introduce a national waiting-time target for dementia care in England.
An Alzheimer's Society proposal suggests an 18-week referral-to-treatment target, backed by Professor Sir Mike Richards, England’s former national cancer director, and Baroness Louise Casey, leading a major review of adult social care.
In a report, the Alzheimer's Society and King's Trust advocate for a "cancer-style revolution" to enhance dementia care, describing it as "stuck in the 20th century."
Social Care Minister Alison McGovern expressed support for the report during an Alzheimer’s Society conference. She acknowledged the neglect of dementia care and pledged the government's commitment to appoint a "dementia tsar," backed with real expertise, to publish a new plan by the end of the year.
Currently, there is no waiting-time target for dementia in England, contrasting with the NHS's established targets for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Professor Richards considers an 18-week target achievable but emphasizes the need for "political initiative and extra funding."
Baroness Casey, in a letter to former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, also proposed setting national standards for dementia diagnosis, including the 18-week referral-to-treatment target. She echoed the call for emulating cancer care, stating, "It's time we started saying... yes, we should have a similar mission."
With one million people living with dementia in the UK, this figure projected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040, action is urgent. Burnham, having recently returned from compassionate leave after his father's death from Alzheimer's disease, is urged to bring forward the changes his father advocated for.