The Department of Health has published a Dementia Commissioning Pack today, 21 July 2011. Sponsored by the Strategic Health Authorities in England, the Dementia Commissioning Pack provides practical resources for commissioners for use with a range of different providers, setting out a commissioning framework and outline approach to identify service development and redesign priorities. Developed in consultation with a range of health and social care experts, including people with dementia and their carers/families, it sets out a framework for commissioning to deliver integrated care, person-centred services, better outcomes, and improved return on investment.
By focusing on outcomes, the Commissioning Pack aims to make it easier to commission better services for people with dementia by bringing together the service delivery, financial and commercial aspects of commissioning in one place. Much of the hard work in the commissioning process has already been done, by providing a commissioning framework, best practice specifications and costing tools, enabling commissioners to spend more time having an informed discussion with providers about service delivery and redesign and focusing on matters that will make the most difference to patients, rather than process or bureaucracy.
- Read more and download the documents on this site
- Handbook: using the Dementia Commissioning Pack
- Commissioning framework for dementia
- Briefing paper – Dementia Commissioning Pack
- Visit the Department of Health Dementia Commissioning Pack pages
- Additional resources via the Dementia information portal https://dementia.dh.gov.uk/dementia-commissioning-pack/
At the launch of the pack Care Services Minister Paul Burstow said:
“With early diagnosis and good care, people with dementia can continue to live well for many years. But for this to happen, it is vital that services are designed and delivered to meet the needs of individuals and their local communities.
This is why we want to devolve power to clinicians and patients but we also recognise that local commissioners need to be supported with expert tools and advice.
The Dementia Commissioning Pack will save valuable time. It will help clinical commissioning groups avoid reinventing the wheel each time they provide a new service, will give patients the best outcomes and use money effectively.”
National Clinical Director for Dementia, Professor Alistair Burns said:
“This is a key resource which will enhance the commissioning of dementia services, and ultimately lead to improved outcomes for people living with dementia and their carers and families.
Most importantly, it has been co-produced with clinicians and reflects the perspectives and expertise of a wide group of stakeholders, including people with dementia.”
Sir Ian Carruthers, OBE, Chief Executive NHS South West, and dementia champion for the NHS said:
“Dementia is one of the greatest challenges society faces today, and it is essential that we get commissioning right so that people can live well in their community, and access more support when they need it.
Strategic Health Authorities across England have signed up to this work, ensuring that this important resource is made available to clinical commissioning groups so that we achieve real improvements in quality and productivity.”
Alongside the Dementia Commissioning Pack, the Alzheimer’s Society has produced a series of patient information leaflets to make patients aware of what they should expect from good dementia services.
Andrew Chidgey, Head of Policy and Public Affairs , Alzheimer’s Society said:
“It is incredibly important that dementia care is prioritised on a local level. People with dementia and their carers need access to the right local support services to meet their needs. We hope this new tool will help ensure that happens.
The National Audit Office and All Party Group on Dementia have both identified that only offering care and support for people with dementia at crisis point is far too late. Millions of pounds are wasted on poor quality care when earlier intervention would save money in the long-term. By investing well in the right services across a wide range of sectors, good quality commissioning will improve the lives of people with dementia and bring long term savings across the health and social care sectors.”