New strategy to improve dementia diagnosis
Hartlepool CouncilA borough has created a new strategy to support those impacted by dementia and help people get swift diagnoses.
Hartlepool Borough Council's plan has been developed by a collaboration of key organisations in the town, including health providers and people with lived experiences.
A report from council officers noted the number of people living with dementia was "expected to grow rapidly over the coming five to 10 years".
It was presented at the latest adult services and public health committee, along with an action plan, where it was unanimously endorsed by councillors.
Documents which went before the committee noted Hartlepool had the second highest dementia diagnosis rate in England, at 78.5 per 100 people aged over 65. The national average is 64.8.
The high diagnosis rate meant the town needed robust services to meet the demand, the report stated.
The strategy has five priorities: living better, supporting carers and families, diagnosis and access to support, person-centred care and support, and young onset dementia.
It is hoped it will provide clear guidelines to improve how dementia is identified, treated and supported as well as reducing stigma and isolation.
Stephen Thomas, from Dementia Friendly Hartlepool, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "There are some areas which really do need attention and development and one of these is still around diagnosis."
He added he hoped the strategy would ensure diagnosis was "far more timely".
