Alzheimer's Society

September 2016

Improving treatment and care for people with dementia is a key priority for the Government. I agree that people with dementia have the right to feel safe and supported when they are in hospital.

In 2015, David Cameron launched his Challenge on Dementia 2020, which sets out the vision for dementia care, support, awareness and research to be transformed by 2020. The Government is committed to delivering this. It has already invested £50 million in creating dementia friendly environments in hospitals and care homes. More than 500,000 NHS staff have received training on dementia, with further training opportunities rolled out to all NHS staff by the end of 2018.

The Government's NHS mandate for 2016/17 provides that the NHS must take a lead in improving the quality of care and support for people with dementia. Increasing public awareness is important, and over 1.3 million people have received training to become dementia friends.

As you will know, research is crucial and I am delighted that dementia research funding doubled under the last Government. This will be maintained to total over £300 million by 2020, with the UK's first ever Dementia Research Institute receiving £150 million.

I will certainly endeavour to attend the Alzheimer's Society interactive exhibition stand to hear from people living with dementia and learn more about how I can play my part.