Andy Burnham urged to set dementia waiting-time target
An 18‑week referral‑to‑treatment target has been backed by England's former national cancer director.
The call for a waiting-time target for dementia patients comes as the issue of delayed diagnosis and treatment continues to be a pressing concern. England's former national cancer director, Sir Mike Richards, has backed an 18-week referral-to-treatment target, suggesting that a similar standard could be applied to dementia care. This proposal highlights the growing recognition of the need for improved timeliness and efficiency in dementia diagnosis and treatment.
The context of this story lies in the ongoing efforts to reform and improve the UK's healthcare system, particularly in the area of mental health and dementia care. The Alzheimer's Society has been advocating for a dementia diagnosis waiting-time target, citing the current average wait of 4-6 months for a diagnosis. By setting a clear target, the government and healthcare providers can focus on reducing waiting times and improving patient outcomes.
As Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, considers this proposal, it will be important to watch how he responds to the calls for a waiting-time target. Will he adopt a similar target for dementia care, and if so, how will it be implemented and measured? Additionally, what implications might this have for the broader healthcare system, and how might it impact patients and families affected by dementia?
Originally reported by bbc.co.uk. RefNews adds analysis for general news readers.