Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has taken recent steps to develop a modern service framework for frailty and dementia; and if he will take steps to ensure that it includes national standards for diagnostic pathways.

The Modern Service Framework for Frailty and Dementia will reduce unwarranted variation and narrow inequality in diagnosis and care for those living with dementia. It will set national standards and redirect National Health Service priorities to provide the best care and support.

Central to this modern service framework will be improved care and support and access to a timely and accurate diagnosis.

We are still developing plans for the Modern Service Framework for Frailty and Dementia and, in doing so, we are engaging with a wide group of partners to understand what should be included to ensure the best outcomes for people living with dementia.

As part of this exercise, we are considering all options to help reduce variation, including reviewing existing guidance and pathways. This will include the D100: Pathway Assessment Tool and the Dementia Care Pathway, covering all elements of the Well Pathway from Prevention through to Dying Well.

We are working to develop the content as soon as possible and we will keep partners updated on progress and timings as this work unfolds.