Fewer than half of those diagnosed with dementia are receiving the necessary support set out by SNP government targets, it has been revealed.
Figures published today stated just 46.7 per cent of new dementia diagnoses were being referred for automatic 12-month support packages.
That’s despite a Scottish Government promise that “all those newly diagnosed with dementia should have a minimum of 12 months post-diagnostic support”.
It is estimated that 17,496 people were diagnosed in 2016/17 – the latest year for which figures are available – yet just 8178 were referred to the scheme.
And of those, just 6830 actually received the support, barely a third of the total number who developed the condition that year.
There are also huge geographical variations in performance. In NHS Grampian, just 18.6 per cent of newly diagnosed patients were referred for the support package, along with only 32.5 per cent in NHS Highland.
In contrast, NHS Lanarkshire was able to refer 61.3 per cent of new patients.
Scottish Conservative mental health spokeswoman Annie Wells said:
“The target set is that every person with dementia should receive these support packages for at least a year after being diagnosed.
“Yet despite this SNP pledge, fewer than half are being referred.
“And of those who are, not even all of them are getting the support they need.
“Every year the number of people diagnosed with this cruel condition increases, and that should be matched by improvements in care and performance.
“Yet on the SNP’s watch, it continues to be completely unacceptable.
“The nationalists have had full responsibility for Scotland’s health service for well more than a decade now, and have to explain why performance on this front is so bad.”
