Dementia Diagnosis
Debate between Lord Crisp and Lord Evans of Rainow
Lord Evans of Rainow (Con)
The noble Baroness is absolutely right. There are different types of dementia at different stages depending on the individual and their age. Unfortunately, it can start very early on, in their 30s and 40s. In my experience, GPs and their practices are very well trained and knowledgeable in such matters. If the noble Baroness has any specific concerns in her area I can certainly look into them, but GP services do a very good job overall. We also have on our high streets things such as dementia awareness, where retailers and other public services recognise the early signs of dementia to make sure that people get the services they require.
Lord Crisp (CB)
My Lords, the Minister may recall that I asked a Question about dementia palliative care teams before the Summer Recess. Can he give the House an update on the progress in rolling these out around the country?
Lord Evans of Rainow (Con)
I do recall the noble Lord asking that Question, but I do not have that information to hand. I cannot update him in person, but I will certainly write to him in detail.
Primary Care: Inequality
Debate between Lord Crisp and Lord Evans of Rainow
Lord Evans of Rainow (Con)
The noble Lord raises a good point. He is right that it is still relatively early days: we have to give it an opportunity to embed. I mentioned Churchill Gardens, but it is also happening in rural areas such as Cornwall, west Yorkshire and other parts of the country. We want to see how the scheme works out, because there will be similar results but with a different flavour depending on whether the area is rural, city, metropolitan or coastal.
Lord Crisp (CB)
My Lords, it is very good to see that this model is being copied elsewhere, as the noble Lord has just said, but what consideration are the Government giving to developing a new model of primary care that recognises the role that local people, such as these community health workers and, indeed local organisations, can play in delivering both care and support to people locally?
Lord Evans of Rainow (Con)
It is a proven case with primary healthcare provision at local level. The noble Lord mentioned local people: it is a combination of charities, friends, neighbours and, indeed, the local parish church, working together to help local people. It is not just a case of turning up at the GP practice; there is an awful lot of work that can be done before it gets to the GP.