Rapid Dementia Diagnosis
As people are waiting ever longer to get access to diagnosis of dementia, I’m leading a new specialist service which is starting to support people across Scotland - with plans to roll out to the rest of the UK.
We will cut years off the time it takes to get a diagnosis in the UK. The UK’s first Brain Health - Dementia Pathways service created by the health and wellbeing organisation Health is One, is being launched now. Health is One offers rapid diagnosis and high quality continuous dementia support up to and beyond diagnosis. This includes wraparound support for families and carers. When a dementia diagnosis is made, the Health is One team of psychologists, nurses, doctors, and therapists is on hand to support families, helping with emergency planning, advising on finances, supporting emotional struggles and explaining legal implications.
I am proud to lead that team. Where I live, people wait over two years for a diagnosis, risking accelerated decline. Rapid diagnosis helps you plan. Planning gives peace and you can’t plan if you don’t know what’s happening. Families need help right now and the strength of the Brain Health and Dementia Pathways service is that we will provide comprehensive, hands-on support, from dealing with distressed behaviours to helping people get the local authority benefits you’re entitled to, as soon as possible.
My friend and colleague Kevin McGeever is the CEO of Health is One and a pioneer in the integration of counselling services into NHS Primary Care in Scotland. He has played a key role in helping to secure quicker and better outcomes for patients. Kevin says: “Opening our first ever Brain Health service in Scotland marks the start of a phased roll out across the UK. For many years we have provided psychological support to people impacted by dementia and are aware of the personal cost to carers every day. Now we are cutting waiting times for medical diagnosis and supporting long-term family wellbeing, covering practical arrangements, legal decisions, financial management and family dynamics. We’re here every step of the way and that’s what differentiates us from any other private provider in this area.”
The Brain Health and Dementia Pathways service is now open for referrals and people can arrange a free, confidential discovery call by visiting the website.
