PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Dementia: Diagnosis (16 December 2020)

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment he has made of the effect on patient health and wellbeing of undertaking diagnostic tests for dementia face-to-face; and if he will make a statement.

Asked by:
Judith Cummins (Labour)

No formal assessment has been made recently. However, we know that diagnosis is important in ensuring appropriate access to treatment and support.

NHS England and NHS Improvement are continuing to encourage memory assessment services to provide safe and person-centred assessment and diagnosis via remote methods or in face-to-face consultations as appropriate during the pandemic. Webinars and guidance have been provided to support evolving best practice and a person-centred approach to diagnosis that supports patient choice.

Answered by:
Helen Whately (Conservative)
11 January 2021