The BMA has responded to a survey of GPs carried out by the Alzheimer Society which found evidence that patients with dementia are being let down because there is a lack of social care support. Dr Richard Vautrey, BMA GP Committee Deputy Chair, said:
“Difficulty in accessing social care support has become an everyday reality for GPs, patients and carers. Sadly it is not only the case for those diagnosed with dementia, but also affects the large number of people living with long term conditions or with frail elderly relatives.
“GPs are increasingly frustrated that due to excessive cuts to local authority funding, some of the most vulnerable people in our society are not receiving the level of care and support they deserve.
“The increasing emphasis on diagnosing dementia has not been matched with proper services for patients once they are diagnosed. With an ageing population, and the number of people with dementia set to grow significantly in the next five years, it is vital that sustainable care and support is urgently put in place to help provide the best possible care for those who need it.”
The BMA is the professional association of doctors in the UK, and it is helpful that it is speaking out about the problems GPs are facing every day. However, commenting on the situation is unlikely to change anything, and doctors will have to take further action if the NHS and ancilliary services such as social care are not going to melt away over the next five years.
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