New dementia commissioning guidance launched

A new information pack has been launched to help support clinical commissioning groups in designing high-quality dementia services.

Developed following consultation with health and social care experts, the pack provides a set of tools and templates that commissioners can use to ensure services are cost-effective and well-suited to local needs.

The main priorities of the guidance are to improve quality and efficiency while reducing bureaucracy, with support offered for planning across a wide spectrum of dementia conditions, from early diagnosis to end-of-life care.

Care services minister Paul Burstow said it is important for dementia services to be provided that meet the specific needs of individuals and local communities.

"This is why we want to devolve power to clinicians and patients but we also recognise that local commissioners need to be supported with expert tools and advice," he said.

Last month, the government outlined its new Route Map for Dementia Research, a new strategy to allocate funding and expertise to support studies into neurodegenerative illnesses.