Walsall Clinical Commissioning Group has developed whole-system dementia commissioning model to improve diagnosis, the experience and outcomes of people with dementia and their carers.

There are approximately 820,000 people with dementia in the UK. In just 30 years, the number is expected to double. The national cost of dementia is around £17 billion but will increase to £50 billion in the same time period. Whole system commissioning is about looking at the big picture, the numbers, issues, resources, views of people and planning a strategy which has to include absolutely all parties.

The CCG increasing the numbers of people diagnosed, supporting people with dementia and their carers better, increasing public awareness of dementia, the attitudes towards dementia and reducing the stigma associated with it.

The Walsall whole-system dementia commissioning model could be used by anywhere else. It is a response to the same issues, the Prime Minister’s challenges and to implement the National Dementia Strategy. This is evidenced by NICE citing two Walsall case studies in their April 2013 whole-system commissioning guide and their link to a copy of our model. Furthermore the SHA (when in existence) highlighted several pieces of our work such as our emergency services dementia guide, improved CQUIN for acute hospitals and integrated dementia pathway.

The project has received coverage in national newspapers, TV and at conferences.