Local charity calls for urgent action to reduce dementia diagnosis delays in Northern Ireland
Derry: The Health Minister of Northern Ireland is facing pressure to cut down waiting times for dementia diagnoses. Members of Dementia NI met with Mike Nesbitt at Stormont to share their concerns.
These folks are living with dementia and want to see real change. They were shocked to find that the new government plan didn’t even mention dementia. They’re asking the Minister to make it a top priority.
Right now, over 22,000 people in Northern Ireland have dementia. That number is expected to double by 2040. Yet, only two-thirds of those affected have received a diagnosis. Long waits mean many are missing out on crucial treatment.
Graham McElhinney from Derry shared his story. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s after nearly four years of waiting. He stressed how important it is to get diagnosed early. Without a diagnosis, you can’t start medication, and that can lead to more hospital visits.
Allison Batchelor, 64, from Belfast, also voiced her worries. She pointed out that while the government talks about urgent waiting lists, dementia isn’t clearly included. The national standard is six weeks from referral to diagnosis, but that’s not what people are experiencing.
Stephen Kennedy from Co Fermanagh added that dementia should be treated with the same urgency as cancer. It’s a growing issue that needs attention now, not later.
Stephanie Green from Dementia NI explained that the absence of dementia in the government’s draft made members feel overlooked. They emphasized that early diagnosis is key to accessing the right support and medication.
In response, Minister Nesbitt acknowledged the need for better care for those affected by dementia. He mentioned that cutting health waiting times is a priority, including for dementia assessments. He also noted that a new project is in place to tackle these waiting times.
