Research Raises Concerns Over Services

The quality of dementia care available through the NHS must improve following the release of a report which criticises current standards, a medical law expert at Irwin Mitchell has demanded.

A report from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has suggested that a number of GPs in London are unable to diagnose the condition or provide the necessary level of support to those affected by it.

It also suggested that care services for people over 80 are lacking, while concerns have been raised over the quality of treatment tailored to meet the needs of those from ethnic minority backgrounds.

Sarah Head, a mental health adviser at Irwin Mitchell’s Birmingham office, said it was vital that the issues raised by the IPPR are considered carefully.

She explained: “The suggestion in the report that the care services available to those suffering from dementia are lacking is deeply concerning.

“All patients should be able to access the care and treatment they need, particularly when it comes to an illness like dementia which leaves sufferers requiring around-the-clock support.

“I hope that strong steps forward can be taken on improving care in this area so that both those who live with dementia and those responsible for caring for them get all of the help they need.”

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