Agenda item

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Communities, which presented Halton’s Dementia Strategy.

The Board was advised that the local dementia strategy had been completed in February 2010 and was a direct response to the National Dementia Strategy – Living Well with Dementia (Department of Health, Feb 2009). The local strategy adopted the national targets as well as developing a specific implementation plan to deliver a range of improvements for people diagnosed with dementia and their carers.

The Board was further advised that the revised local dementia strategy, ‘Living well with dementia in Halton’ (Appendix 1), and the associated ‘needs’ paper (Appendix 2) looked at the progress that had been made since the original strategy publication, as well as identifying some key actions that needed to be completed over the next 5 years.

The Board noted the key achievements that had been made since the original strategy and that the priorities for 2013-2018 focussed on the following areas:-

·                Prevention and raising awareness;

·                Early diagnosis, information and advice;

·                Living well in the community;

·                End of Life;

·                Workforce development; and

·                Links to other workstreams.

        In conclusion, it was reported that the 2013-2015 Strategy implementation plan outlined the key actions for future development in improving the outcomes for people with a dementia diagnosis, their families and carers. The implementation plan could be found within the ‘Living well with dementia in Halton’ Strategy document.

        The following comments arose from the discussion:-

·                   It was noted that a significant amount of work had been undertaken with housing providers and Halton Housing Trust had also been very supportive and proactive in up skilling their staff on how to support people when accessing their services.  Work was continuing but funding for some of the training was proving to be very challenging;

·                   The positive actions being taken in mental health services was noted.  However, it was also noted that there was still a lot of work to do;

·                   Page 228 – It was reported that text was missing from the bottom of the page and agreed that this would be circulated to all Members of the Board;

·                   Clarity was sought on whether dementia formed part of the health passport.  In reply it was reported that it was hoped this would be achieved by the summer of 2015;

·                   Clarity was sought on how wards, with NHS cut backs and shortages of staff coped with  dementia patients.  In reply, it was reported that discussions had taken place with the Director of Nursing regarding the staffing of wards and all wards had a lead nurse for dementia.  The lead nurse was responsible for ensuring staff were appropriately skilled and for monitoring stressful areas.  In addition, it was reported that a Ward Site Liaison Officer, ensured staff working with a dementia patient on a ward had the appropriate skills; and

·                   It was noted that it was beneficial for individuals to stay at home wherever possible and with the Government cuts and staff reductions, the Board agreed to monitor the situation.

        RESOLVED: That the report and comments raised be noted.