Andy Burnham urged to set dementia waiting-time target
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is facing pressure to implement an 18-week waiting-time target for dementia care in England. Supporters argue that dementia care requires a 'cancer-style' reform to modernize the current system.
Why it matters
Establishing formal targets could significantly improve the quality of life for dementia patients and force systemic changes in social care delivery.
Image source, EPA Image caption, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to reform adult social care in England
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is facing calls to set a national waiting-time target for dementia care in England.
An Alzheimer's Society proposal to set an 18‑week referral‑to‑treatment target has been backed by Professor Sir Mike Richards, England's former national cancer director, and Baroness Louise Casey, who's leading a major review of adult social care.
In a report, Alzheimer's Society and the King's Trust said a "cancer-style revolution" was needed to improve dementia care, which they described as being "stuck in the 20th century".
In a speech at Alzheimer's Society conference on Thursday, Social Care Minister Alison McGovern expressed support for the report , external .
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