New figures have revealed that patients diagnosed with dementia are missing out on crucial support packages.
Only 61 per cent of those diagnosed with dementia in NHS Lanarkshire were referred for the necessary support set out by SNP government targets. That is despite a Scottish Government promise that ‘all those newly diagnosed with dementia should have a minimum of 12 months post-diagnostic support’.
It is estimated that in NHS Lanarkshire 1,972 people were diagnosed in 2016/17 – the latest year for which figures are available – yet just 1,209 were referred to the scheme. Within NHS Lanarkshire 12 per cent of people referred have completed their 12 month support.
Graham Simpson said: “The target set is that every person with dementia should receive these support packages for at least a year after being diagnosed. Yet despite this SNP pledge, only 61 per cent of people diagnosed in Lanarkshire are being referred. And of those who are, not even all of them are getting the support they need.
“Every year the number of people diagnosed with this cruel condition increases, and that should be matched by improvements in care and performance.
“The nationalists have had full responsibility for Scotland’s health service for nearly 12 years now, and have to explain why performance on this front is so bad.”
