Hartlepool dementia strategy aims to improve diagnosis

Hartlepool Borough Council has introduced a new dementia strategy to improve timely diagnosis and local support, and council documents say the borough has the second highest dementia diagnosis rate in England at 78.5 per 100 people aged over 65.

Hartlepool Borough Council has introduced a new dementia strategy to support people affected by dementia and to seek swifter diagnoses. The plan was developed with local health providers and people with lived experience. Council officers said the number of people living with dementia in the area is expected to grow rapidly over the next five to 10 years. The strategy was presented to the adult services and public health committee and was unanimously endorsed by councillors. Key facts: - Hartlepool Borough Council presented a new dementia strategy that was unanimously endorsed by the adult services and public health committee. - Council documents note Hartlepool has the second highest dementia diagnosis rate in England at 78.5 per 100 people aged over 65, compared with a national average of 64.8. - The strategy sets five priorities: living better; supporting carers and families; diagnosis and access to support; person-centred care and support; and young onset dementia. Summary: The plan is intended to provide clearer guidance for identifying, treating and supporting people with dementia and to reduce stigma and isolation. Officials said the number of people living with dementia is expected to grow rapidly over the next five to 10 years, increasing demand on local services. Undetermined at this time.