DoH: Dementia is a priority

Improving dementia is one of the government's "top priorities", health minister Ivan Lewis has insisted.

He acknowledged that the disease is a "major challenge" facing families, the NHS and care system and that "too many people are let down by existing services".

His comments follow a critical report from the public accounts committee (PAC) which said dementia care has not been given the same priority in the NHS as cancer and coronary heart disease, and is lacking as a result.

"Bringing dementia out of the shadows is now one of our top priorities," Mr Lewis said.

"In partnership with the Alzheimer's society, we are developing a national plan to improve services which we will launch in the autumn following consultation with families and professionals."

He added: "I am determined to transform the support available to families affected by this harrowing illness. We welcome the PAC report and will consider the recommendations in the context of the work taking place on the strategy."