Norfolk public urged to have their say on dementia care

Health bosses in the county today pledged their commitment to tackling dementia.

NHS Norfolk said today it remained committed to working jointly with its health and social care partners to improve the quality of dementia care.

A new strategy is currently under consultation and members of the public are being encouraged to attend public meetings to have their say.

Steve McCormack, commissioning manager in mental health and learning disabilities for NHS Norfolk, said: 'We want to help everyone understand dementia better and get rid of the stigma attached to it.

'Many people do not realise that there are ways of supporting and treating people with dementia. In fact, if there is diagnosis early enough, we believe a lot can be done to help people with the symptoms and to help people and their families to cope better - and to live better with their diagnosis.'

As reported in yesterday's Evening News, the National Audit Office has been critical of the government's dementia care strategy.

Mr McCormack added: 'Feedback at the public meetings has been encouraging so far. We are aware of the National Audit Office's view of the national dementia strategy and this is why the public's views in Norfolk are so vital to our local strategy. We would urge anyone to make their views known at the next public meetings, but especially ensure that they complete their thoughts comments and ideas within a consultation document response.'

Two more public meetings will take place - at the Kings Centre, 30 Queen Anne's Road, Great Yarmouth, on January 27 from 4pm to 7pm, and at the Assembly Rooms, Theatre Street, Norwich, on February 10 from 4pm to 7pm.

To have your say visit