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Government Launches Toolkit To Help Local And Health Authorities Commission (Eng)

in
Date published: 
Thursday, July 21, 2011
News source: 
eGov monitor
Region: 
England
Featured item on home page: 
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A new toolkit and templates aimed at improving commissioning dementia services have been launched by the UK's Care ServicesMinister Paul Burstow earlier today.

 
The pack has been developed in consultation with a range of health and social care experts, including people with dementia and their carers. It aims to:
 
- Improve quality of services for people with dementia by placing patient outcomes and patient choice at the heart of the commissioning process;
 
- Drive efficiency by reducing unwarranted variation in services;
 
- Reduce bureaucracy for commissioners by providing tailored documents and templates, bringing together the different aspects of commissioning (clinical, financial, commercial, contractual and procurement).
 
This pack would assist local and health authority commissioners to shape their dementia services tailored to the needs of their local communities. It is a comprehensive pack that supports planning across the whole spectrum of dementia, from early diagnosis to end of life care, together with guidance on how to reduce the inappropriate use of antipsychotic medication.
 
The Minister argued that it is "vital that services are designed and delivered to meet the needs of individuals and their local communities", but also pointed out that "ocal commissioners need to be supported with expert tools and advice."
 
"The Dementia Commissioning Pack will save valuable time. It will help clinical commissioning groups avoid reinventing the wheel each time they provide a new service, will give patients the best outcomes and use money effectively,” he said.
 
Alzheimer's Society welcomed the launch of the new toolkit. Andrew Chidgey, Head of Policy and Public Affairs , Alzheimer’s Society said:
 
“It is incredibly important that dementia care is prioritised on a local level. People with dementia and their carers need access to the right local support services to meet their needs. We hope this new tool will help ensure that happens.
 
“The National Audit Office and All Party Group on Dementia have both identified that only offering care and support for people with dementia at crisis point is far too late. Millions of pounds are wasted on poor quality care when earlier intervention would save money in the long-term. By investing well in the right services across a wide range of sectors, good quality commissioning will improve the lives of people with dementia and bring long term savings across the health and social care sectors.”
 
Source: eGov
 

 

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