Just to reiterate some key points in relation to the dementia elements of the 18/19 QEF: we are looking for an increase in your practice dementia diagnosis rates. You will readily have access to your practice QOF dementia prevalence figures, and we would like to see a rise in those. If each practice can diagnose another two or three patients with dementia, then we will have met the national diagnosis rate target of 66.7%.
During my presentation, attendees had sight of the in house "checklist " that I adopt at my practice prior to memory clinic referral, which you might find useful. However, some practices might prefer to use the CPFT proforma for memory clinic referral, but this is by no means compulsory.
In previous bulletins, we have provided links to assist GP practices in becoming a "dementia friendly". These are enclosed again for those who are not aware:
There is also on-line training available for carers with Dementia: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/dementia-care
The CCG has organised some "twilight" dementia awareness training sessions too, and the final one will take place on Monday 05 November at Dementia Resource Centre, 441 Lincoln Road, Millfield, Peterborough, PE1 2PW from 5.45pm (registration) until 7.30pm. In order to book a place, please e-mail: jo.pugh1@nhs.net
Some concerns have been expressed that local memory clinics have been insisting on an ECG prior to memory clinic referral, otherwise the referral is rejected. That certainly should not be happening, and it has been confirmed by the Clinical Director of CPFT that an ECG is not required. If referrals are still being rejected for this reason, then please let me know, and I can escalate it further.
Finally, I recently had a really useful tour of the Older People's Mental Health wards at the Cavell Centre in Peterborough. One interesting issue that came out of the visit was the frequent number of falls in this age group on the wards, and the number of incidences of low blood pressure. I know we do keep an eye on our patients' blood pressures, but feel it beneficial to reiterate the point that falls, especially from hypertension, are a major cause of morbidity in this patient cohort, and as GPs, we can effect a reduction in these instances.
Once again, thank you for your time, and your consistent support is extremely valued.
Best wishes
Dr Malav Bhimpuria
MB BS BSc (HONS) FRCGP DCH DRCOG PCMedEd
GP Principal
Clinical Lead, Older People's Mental Health, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group.
