3. Statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services: Update on the Dementia Action Plan

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:24 pm on 14 May 2019.

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Photo of Janet Finch-Saunders Janet Finch-Saunders Conservative 3:24, 14 May 2019

Thank you. Thank you, Minister, for your statement. The dementia action plan, of course, promises to improve person-centred dementia services and is based on a number of principles in dementia statements, including the right to an early and accurate diagnosis. Diagnosis, of course, forms an important part of your plan, especially as you even recognise that only around 53 per cent of individuals in Wales with dementia have had a diagnosis. Indeed, it was found that almost 19,000 with dementia remained undiagnosed in 2017-18.

So, in terms of realistic achievements in this area, could you confirm that your commitment in the plan to set targets for health boards to increase diagnosis rates by at least 3 per cent a year has been carried out and is being dealt with? And, once diagnosed, it is essential that there is a flexible support system. As such, the Welsh Government committed to the development of the multidisciplinary teams around the individual.

So, if that's the case, and that has been achieved, could you confirm to the Chamber today that every individual living with dementia that has been highlighted and identified has in fact been provided with a fundamental care plan? Thank you.