RCPsych responds to launch of the
National Dementia Strategy
Dr Dave Anderson, chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists'
Faculty of Old Age Psychiatry, said:
"It is a day to celebrate for people with dementia and their
carers - but we must be clear that the Dementia Strategy is the
beginning and not the end of the process. Unless it is backed
by resources and the commitment of all concerned, it will be just
words on a page.
"We now need the coordinated effort of everyone, including
health and social services, the care sector, government and the
public, to make this work. Failure to implement this strategy
is not an option."
For further information, please contact Liz Fox or Deborah
Hart in the Communications Department.
Telephone: 020 7235 2351 Extensions. 6298 or 6127
Note to editors:
The Department of Health launched the first-ever National Dementia Strategy on 3 February 2009. Proposals include the introduction of a dementia specialist into every general hospital and care home and for mental health teams to assess people with dementia.
www.dh.gov.uk/en/socialcare/deliveringadultsocialcare/olderpeople/nationaldementiastrategy/index.htm