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NHS Commissioning Board sets new DES for dementia
NHS Commissioning Board sets new DES for dementia.
About this update from Cambridge Cognition Holdings Plc
[{"type":"text","content":"\n \nRNS Number : 7275C Cambridge Cognition Holdings PLC 19 April 2013 \n \n\n\nCambridge Cognition Holdings Plc \n('Cambridge Cognition' or the 'Company')\n \nNHS Commissioning Board sets out new DES for dementia\n \nGPs to be offered financial incentives to test at risk groups for dementia\n \nCambridge Cognition Holdings plc, (AIM: COG), which specialises in computerised neuropsychological tests including those enabling the early detection of dementia, welcomes the NHS Commissioning Board specifications for the four new directed enhanced services ('DES') that will be offered to GP practices in 2013/14, which prioritises, amongst other conditions, the timely diagnosis and support for people with dementia.\n \nThe DES have been designed by the NHS Commission Board to reward GP practices for undertaking a proactive approach to the timely assessment of patients who may be at risk of dementia. GP practices are being invited to sign up to the DES before the end of June 2013, enabling them to qualify for funds under the Quality and Outcomes Framework, and according to the DES, an average-sized GP practice could receive an upfront payment of £2,587 to set up the service and will then be eligible to share in a national pool of £21m, depending on the number of assessments they complete. \n \nThe DES in full can be found here: http://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/ess-dementia.pdf\n \nCommenting, Ruth Keir, Chief Executive Officer of Cambridge Cognition, said: \"Nearly half of the 820,000 people living with dementia in the UK remain undiagnosed. If we are to reduce this in line with the Prime Minister's Dementia Challenge and allow those affected and their families to access the care they need and prepare for the future, the timely diagnosis of dementia must become a national priority.\n \n\"The DES plans published this month are a much needed opportunity to tackle the issue of dementia head on. By prioritizing the identification of and interaction with 'at risk' individuals and deploying swift, accurate assessment GPs can smooth the traditionally long and challenging path to diagnosis. However, it is vital that, moving forwards, GPs and health practitioners have access to the tools they need to conduct efficient and effective assessments and ensure they can help patients and their...