More people with dementia are being rushed to hospital emergency departments in Barnet.
NHS figures show the rate of emergency admissions to hospital for people with dementia in Barnet increased by nearly 7 per cent from 2017 to 2018, with more than 2,380 people over the age of 65 admitted to A&E.
Now local carers and families are being sought to share their experiences and views on the NHS services supporting people living with dementia.
Independent health and care champion Healthwatch Barnet has helped launch ‘What would you do?’ to encourage people to share their views about what changes to local NHS services should look like.
The Government has developed a ten-year plan for the NHS covering the whole of England. Local organisations have now been asked to work out what changes should be made locally to help make the NHS better for local people.
Rory Cooper, Healthwatch Barnet Manager, said: “With an estimated 2,721 people living with dementia in Barnet, it’s alarming to see so many of these people being admitted to A&E.
“Our role at Healthwatch is to ensure we gather views both good and bad from members of the public and then pass these on to the decision-making bodies who plan, pay for and run these services in Barnet. It’s important that people have a say in how their local health and care service is run, so they can help shape it for the better.”
Healthwatch Barnet is also keen to hear from people about how other health services could improve, including those that support people with mental health conditions, cancer, heart and lung diseases, learning disabilities and autism. People can also share their views about how the NHS can help them stay well, and take more control over their health and care.
Staff and volunteers will be talking to various groups throughout Barnet over the next few weeks to find out what people think.
People can also share their views via the short online survey at www.healthwatch.co.uk/what-would-you-do
Representatives from the local NHS will also be carrying out engagement work with patients, staff and the community to encourage feedback on the local plan.
For more details visit: https://www.healthwatchbarnet.co.uk/WhatWouldYouDo
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