Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Dementia Care: Social Care Workforce

Tuesday 14 June 2022 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister agrees to treat people with dementia with respect and dignity.
  • Funding of 17 million was allocated to address dementia waiting lists.
  • Publication of a workforce framework by Health Education England is imminent.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Marie Rimmer Lab St Helens South and Whiston
NHS Social Care
Context

The question arises from the need to ensure that training for the social care workforce meets the needs of people living with dementia, a critical issue highlighted by ongoing inquiries.

Question

What steps he is taking to help ensure that training for the social care workforce meets the needs of people living with dementia. People with dementia deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Will the Secretary of State commit to attending the APPG's inquiry report launch in September to hear how this can be achieved? Most importantly, will he commit to taking on board its recommendations?

Answer from Gillian Keegan

I completely agree with the hon. Lady that we must treat all those living with dementia and all those caring for people with dementia with respect and do everything we can to support them. That is why we will set out our plans for dementia in England for the next 10 years, and I am very happy to work with her on this issue to understand what more we could be doing to inform the 10-year plan for dementia in England.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not explicitly commit to attending the APPG's inquiry report launch or committing to take on board its recommendations.

How: I Am Very Happy To Work With Her

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Q2 Marie Rimmer Lab St Helens South and Whiston
NHS
Context

The question addresses the need for timely and accurate dementia diagnoses, a concern raised by many constituents who struggle to get face-to-face appointments.

Question

What is she doing to ensure that GPs in my local area are equipped to recruit, train and be resourced to get early diagnosis in place for people? A lot of my constituents are still struggling to get the face-to-face appointments that are so crucial in that.

Answer from Gillian Keegan

We allocated £17 million last financial year specifically to address dementia waiting lists and increase the number of diagnoses. This funding was spent on investing in workforce capacity, improving access to pre and post-diagnostic support, and enhancing carer support.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q3 Caroline Dinenage Con Gosport
NHS Social Care
Context

The question pertains to the need for a well-trained and motivated care force, emphasizing the importance of timely and accurate dementia diagnoses.

Question

Quality care for our loved ones depends on a well-trained and motivated care force. Can she be more specific about a date for publication regarding the dementia strategy, and can she be clearer about the workforce plan, including training for staff?

Answer from Gillian Keegan

There is a lot of work happening on workforce across health and social care services. Health Education England is working on the matter now and will publish a framework shortly. The White Paper outlines a workforce strategy that we will take forward with adult social care leaders, staff, and those who draw on this support.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not provide a specific date for the publication of the dementia strategy or clarify the workforce plan clearly.

How: There Is A Lot Of Work Happening

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Q4 Karin Smyth Lab Bristol South
NHS Social Care
Context

The question highlights the need for a well-trained and motivated dementia care force to ensure quality care, emphasizing concerns over previous government commitments.

Question

Quality care for our loved ones depends on a well-trained and motivated care force. Can she be more specific about a date for publication regarding the dementia strategy, and can she be clearer about the workforce plan, including training for staff?

Answer from Gillian Keegan

I assure the hon. Lady that there is a lot of work happening on workforce across health and social care services. Health Education England is working on the matter now and will publish a framework shortly. The White Paper outlines a workforce strategy that we will take forward with adult social care leaders, staff, and those who draw on this support.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not provide a specific date for the publication of the dementia strategy or clarify the workforce plan clearly.

How: There Is A Lot Of Work Happening

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