The Community Dementia Nurse Service has been launched by 2gether NHS Foundation Trust as an addition to the Managing Memory 2gether service.

The service is the first of its kind in the country that provides specialist and direct dementia support to GPs.

Each surgery in Gloucestershire will be allocated a community dementia nurse.

Rose McDowall, senior community dementia nurse, said:

“This is a new and exciting role for me and my colleagues and we are really looking forward to it. It will be really good to work closely with primary care colleagues to ensure that people with dementia and their carers receive timely, locally-based support and treatment.”

The CDN will also be able to provide surgeries with information on signs, symptoms and management of dementia, as well as offer advice on how to access further education and training.

Dr Martin Freeman, from Dursley, GP clinical lead for dementia in Gloucestershire, said:

“Dementia care in Gloucestershire remains a key priority with health and voluntary services working together to provide high quality care for local people.”

For more details, contact 0800 694 880 or email managingmemory@glos.nhs.uk.