Parliamentary group calls for dementia shake-up

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Dementia has launched a report, entitled 'The £20 Billion Question', that challenges the NHS to reduce hospital beds by at least ten per cent and create £1 billion for community-based dementia services.

In its report, the cross-party group said as many as a quarter of NHS hospital beds are occupied by people with dementia, which is not the best outcome for health services or for the patients.

Baroness Sally Greengross, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Dementia, said the condition currently costs the UK £20 billion a year, and this figure is set to rise to £27 billion by 2018.

"Money is consistently being thrown away on poor quality services and inappropriate care for people with dementia … Our report shows there are many ways to save money and improve care now."

Recently, the Alzheimer's Society urged care provider Southern Cross to ensure it keeps to its dementia strategy as it prepares to cease operations.

Read more about Barchester's dementia care homes.