15.01.13
Fatalistic
Jeremy Hunt has criticised the “fatalism” about dementia diagnosis in parts of the NHS, slamming poor rates of diagnosis across the UK.
The Alzheimer’s Society has published new figures which show significant variation in diagnosis throughout the NHS.
Hunt has suggested that this could be partly attributable to the lack of a cure, leading some staff to believe there is little benefit to a formal diagnosis. Whilst dementia does pose an increasingly difficult challenge to the health service, there is treatment and care available that can help minimise or manage symptoms, providing patients with a far improved quality of life.
Is this fatalistic attitude really to blame for poor diagnosis rates? With some parts of the country performing so well, it is clear that there is much more that needs to be done. More clarity and transparency regarding trusts performance in this area, and the map available from the Alzheimer’s Society could help provide the necessary push to achieve this.
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]