NHS East London and the City wants to hear your views about proposed improvements to in-patient assessment services for people with dementia in east London and the City.
At the beginning of October NHS East London and the City launched a consultation on improving in-patient services for people with dementia in east London and the City, called older people modern services. It proposes to change the way in-patient services for people with dementia are provided across east London and the City so more resources can be put into treating people in their own homes.
Over the last few months, staff from NHS East London and the City, who plan dementia care in east London and the city, and representatives of the staff who provide these services have been talking to local people and groups about the proposed changes. As well as going to community groups they have invited the community to a number of question and answer sessions across.
To get as many people’s views as possible NHS East London and the City have scheduled two further dates for question and answer sessions:
These will be held in:
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Newham: Thursday 10 November, 3pm to 5pm at St Mark’s Church and Community Centre, E6.
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Hackney: Tuesday 22 November, 3pm to 5pm at Hackney Community Voluntary Services, E8.
The NHS propose to improve services by closing underused in-patient wards which are based in Newham, Hackney and Tower Hamlets and providing, high-quality services from a single base at Mile End Hospital. The money saved will be invested in services in the community.
Speaking about the consultation, called Older people, modern services – a consultation on improving in-patient assessment services for people with dementia in east London and the City,Marie Gabriel, Chair of NHS East London and the City, said:
“Many people with dementia are now assessed early, diagnosed and then receive specialist support at home, rather than having to go to hospital.
“People with dementia and their carers have told us they prefer to receive care and support out of hospital and that being supported to live at home improves their mental health and wellbeing.
“We need people who use these services, carers, local people, NHS staff, community organisations and other organisations with an interest in these services to tell us what they think about the proposals.”
To tell the NHS what you think about dementia services you can down load the document and give your views online at:
www.towerhamlets.nhs.uk/dementiaconsultation, by emailing consultation@elc.nhs.ukconsultation@elc.nhs.uk, or by contacting NHS East London and the City patient advice and liaison service on free phone 0800 389 3093.
The consultation ends on 30 November 2011.
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Notes to Editors
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NHS ELC’s preferred proposal includes merging three existing borough-based in-patient assessment wards for people with dementia into one, based at Mile End Hospital, Tower Hamlets. If the proposals are accepted this would result in savings of £500,000 that will help pay for more specialist professionals who will deliver extra care in people’s homes as well as work in the community, and more closely with other agencies.
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The remainder savings of £600,000 will be used to contribute towards East London NHS Foundation Trust for its Efficiency Savings Programme.
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The proposal NHS ELC is currently undertaking further research into travel issues with a view to finding ways to help people get to the new Mile End ward more easily.
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The document is available online at: www.towerhamlets.nhs.uk/dementiaconsultation, or by emailing consultation@elc.nhs.uk, or by contacting NHS East London and the City patient advice and liaison service on Freephone: 0800 389 3093. This Freephone number can also be used to organise assistance with travelling to an event or anyone wanting to discuss respite support to attend.
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There are a number of ways to give your views, via public meetings, in writing, by email or over by phone. Full details are given in the consultation document.
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NHS East London and the City is a cluster of Primary Care Trusts that purchase healthcare on behalf of the local population.
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For press enquiries please contact Savaia Stevenson on 020 7683 4118 or email savaia.stevenson@elc.nhs.uk
