Plymouth University leads challenge to public sector on dementia

Public sector executives across the South West are being challenged to take action on dementia in a new initiative being led by the universities of Plymouth and Bournemouth.

A two-day Dementia Leadership conference is being held this week, with speakers including Government minister Norman Lamb MP, the National Clinical Director for Dementia in England Professor Alistair Burns, and Jeremy Hughes, chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Society.

Academics from Plymouth University’s Dementia Research group, and Bournemouth University’s Dementia Institute (BUDI), will also hold workshops to make the attending managers more aware of the condition and the steps they can take to identify and support people affected by it.

The programme of events aligns with the Prime Minister’s Challenge on Dementia, which encourages local and health authority executives to make their organisation dementia friendly.

Plymouth University has recently committed to becoming the country’s first dementia friendly university, and Ian Sherriff, Academic Lead on Dementia, said: “Dementia affects millions of people across the country, yet many still know very little about the condition and its symptoms. The standard of research and care is improving all the time, but raising awareness at all levels of society is vital to ensuring there is no stigma attached to the condition in the future.”

Professor Anthea Innes, Director of BUDI, added: “We are delighted to have leaders from the NHS, Local Authorities and the voluntary sector coming together at Bournemouth to discuss the challenges and opportunities to improve dementia care provision in the South of England. The support of dementia leaders nationally is fantastic and reflects the policy priority dementia has in the UK.”

The event will take place in Bournemouth on Wednesday and Thursday (June 12 and 13), at the Green House Hotel and at Bournemouth University’s Talbot Campus. It has been funded by the NHS South of England Dementia Challenge Fund, administered by Sir Ian Carruthers.

Alzheimer’s Society chief executive Jeremy Hughes said: “Dementia is one of the biggest health and social care challenges we face. The number of people living with the condition in the UK is set to rise to a million in the next ten years. Less than half of the people living with dementia have a formal diagnosis. Consequently, they are being denied access to vital support, information and possible treatments. It’s crucial that local councils, health authorities and other service providers take urgent action. By working together, we can transform the quality of life and aspirations for people living with dementia in our communities.”