Meeting documents

Apologies were received from Mr Trevor Egleton and Mrs Avril Davies.

There were no declarations of interest.

The minutes of the last meeting held on 9 November 2010 to be agreed as a correct record.

The minutes of meeting held on 9 November 2010 were agreed as a correct record.

Purpose:  To find out how the Community Health Team works as a multi-disciplinary team to support those with dementia

Context:  In the previous evidence gathering session, members heard about the benefits of early diagnosis from representatives of the voluntary and community sector, who also outlined the services they provide to both carers and those with dementia.  A carer of a person with dementia also gave a personal account of her experiences.  During today’s session, members will have the opportunity to speak to the Community Health Team who work closely with carers, those with dementia, GPs and care homes to provide care for dementia.

Contributors:  Frances Finucane, Team Manager, Community Health Team, Helen Stradling, Psychiatric Nurse, and Julie Dale, Social Work Lead.

Paper:

• The role of the Community Health Team – to follow

Background information:

• Living well with dementia: A National Dementia Strategy – Chapter 5:  Living well with dementia

The Chairman introduced Frances Finucane, Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) Manager, Julie Dale, Social Care Team Leader and Helen Stradling, Community Psychiatric Nurse.  The Chairman also welcomed Brian Gilbert who is a member of LINk.

Frances, Julie and Helen started by taking part in a role play to demonstrate how two people (George and Alice), who were both suffering from dementia, had very different experiences.

Frances concluded the case study by saying that people’s circumstances are different and each step of the dementia pathway has to be flexible enough to accommodate the point at which the person comes into contact with services.  She went on to say that the following areas would be covered in their presentation today:

• The Referral process to memory services and the Community Mental Health Team
• The Benefits of Early Diagnosis
• The Barriers to Early Diagnosis
• Social Care and Support.

The Referral process to memory services and the Community Mental Health Team

Frances explained that the memory services are part of the Day Hospital provision in each of the localities.

Further information on Memory Clinics and CMHT is attached.

During discussion, the following main points were made and questions asked.

• "George" took the initiative to make an appointment with his GP as a result of family concerns.  The medication he was given meant that he could be in control of his treatment and he could stay at home and look after himself.  A Member said that "George" relies heavily on his family for their help and support and expressed concern that in today’s society, many families are fragmented.  The Member asked whether any improvements have been made to reduce the number of crisis points which are reached where sufferers have to be brought home by the police as they are found wandering the streets.  Julie added that neighbours also support dementia sufferers – especially in rural areas.  A Member asked whether neighbours are put off helping out sufferers and whether enough is being done to support local communities.
• A Member commented that dementia sufferers can become institutionalised very quickly in Care Homes and can deteriorate at a faster rate than if they are left in their own homes.  Mr Gilbert commented that people can be well looked after at home if you can get an early diagnosis.
• Frances said that there is a need for greater awareness both at national and local level and she mentioned that the main aim of the Dementia Action Alliance (www.dementiaaction.org.uk)  is to raise the awareness of dementia and to drive it forward.
• All referrals come to the CMHT and the team works very closely with day hospitals.  There is an open referral system but most referrals come from GPs.  The team rely heavily on the information provided by GPs – including very thorough medical history, results of blood tests (to identify diabetes, kidney infection and other possible medical conditions).  GPs know what information is needed by the CMHT and they work within the national framework  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

The next meeting will take place on Friday 3 December 2010 at 10am in Mezz 3.

The next meeting will take place on Friday 14 January at 10.15am in Mezz Room 2, County Hall, Aylesbury.

Purpose:  For members to hear the views of care home providers and those receiving services, of the benefits of early diagnosis and services in place.

Context:  Chiltern View is a well-established nursing home at Stone, providing care for residents with advanced dementia.  During the visit, members will tour the home to see what is in place to help the residents live independent and fulfilling lives.  Members will have an opportunity to discuss the benefits of early diagnosis, and how staff work with other professionals, organisations and families, to provide the right care.

Background information:

• See Me not just the dementia – CSCI summary report June 2008