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NHS England welcomes government’s dementia promise

In support of the government’s dementia promise announcement today NHS England has commissioned two free services on NHS Choices for people who have been diagnosed with dementia and their carers.

The first is an email service. People who subscribe to this service will get six emails – one each week – giving them access to the best online content from high quality sources such as the Alzheimer’s Society. By covering a different topic each week, the service delivers vital information in manageable chunks to help users break down the many challenges they face into achievable tasks. The email programme will cover key areas including understanding dementia, getting the best dementia care, caring for someone at home, social care and support for carers.

The second is a webchat facility. NHS Choices has joined forces with the Alzheimer’s Society to offer advice and support to dementia sufferers, their families and carers via a webchat format. People can access the webchat via the on-line NHS Choices Dementia Guide where there is a webchat button which people can click on to start an anonymous, real-time webchat with a trained adviser from the Alzheimer’s Society. This service is available Monday to Friday 9am to 12 noon. Outside of these hours there is a phone number for people to call the Alzheimer’s Society direct.

Alistair Burns, National Clinical Director for Dementia for NHS England said:

“Dementia is a priority for NHS England. It is our ambition that two thirds of people with dementia should receive a formal diagnosis and post diagnostic support.

“The announcement from the Secretary of State today about care and diagnosis for people with dementia and support for their families will make a real difference to patients and their carers. A timely diagnosis and post diagnostic support are key aspects of improving the quality of care for people with dementia.

“NHS England and NHS Choices email service and webchat will help support dementia sufferers and their carers access the right information and support.”