Scrutiny chairman welcomes investment in dementia care
A Shropshire Council scrutiny committee chairman has welcomed the announcement that £1,000,000 is being invested in providing extra support for A&E patients with dementia and mental health problems in Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin.
Councillor Gerald Dakin, chairman of the Healthy Communities Scrutiny Committee, today said he was delighted that the new approach had been launched which means that the needs of people with dementia and mental health problems going to A&E departments would be recognised and acted upon more quickly.
The approach includes the development of a Rapid Assessment Interface and Discharge, or RAID, team. The team will provide support and information to patients, carers and staff including advice on medication and will also offer signposting and referral to other services.
General hospital staff will receive specialist training to help them understand the needs of older people with dementia, and people with mental health problems. The training will provide staff with the skills and confidence to react promptly to the needs of these patients when they attend A&E. If required, specialist mental health staff will also be available to offer support to those whose needs are more complex.
Councillor Dakin, who is also co-chairman of the Joint Health and Overview Scrutiny Committee, said:
“This is fantastic news; it is great that one million pounds is being invested in helping to ensure that people with dementia and mental health problems in Shropshire, and Telford and Wrekin, are well looked after, and their needs are being met.
“As a committee we have been raising the importance of this issue; looking at what services are provided to support people with dementia, and where there are gaps in services, is high on our agenda.
“Earlier diagnosis and an improved outlook for those diagnosed with dementia is also a priority for action in the draft Joint Health and Well-being Strategy for Shropshire.
“We particularly welcome how this initiative will help elderly patients to spend less time in hospital. It is important that we help people to be able to live independently, so they have the confidence and retain the skills to stay in their own home and not have to go into residential care.”
Funding for the development has been provided by local commissioners of health services in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin. The RAID team is a partnership between Shrewsbury and Telford hospitals and South Staffordshire and Shropshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Social work support is also provided by Shropshire Council and Telford and Wrekin Council.
