Dementia care services to be ‘temporarily suspended’
An NHS trust is proposing to temporarily close its dementia assessment and diagnosis services after Christmas – but will continue to see people currently being treated.
Thesussexpartnershipnhs Foundationtrustprovidesmentalhealth,learningdisabilityand neurodevelopmentalservicesto people living in south east England.itsservicesareforchildren, young people, adults of working age and older people.
The trust provides care in a rangeoflocationsincludingpeople’s own homes, specialist clinics, hospitals, low and medium secure units and GP surgeries.
Last week, Sussex World was told by a trusted source that dementia-assessment services would not be provided by the trust from January to March 2024 because of a ‘financial deficit’.
The trust provides care at facilities across Sussex, including Highdown and Swandean and Pepperville House in Littlehampton.
Sussex World understands the trust is planning to temporarily pause dementia assessment services as it, like the rest of the NHS, prepares for additionalwinterpressures,andthis may see dementia-services staff temporarily redeployed rather than costly agency staff used. It is also understood the trust will continuetobeopenforreferrals and will continue to see people being treated.
A spokesperson for the trust said: “Work’s underway across the NHS in Sussex to maintain emergency and urgent care services, with patient safety being our top priority. To manage resources effectively, as we approach the busy Christmas and
New Year period, some of our services will be temporarily reducedorchangedtoallowstaffto be redeployed to other services so they can remain safe and be of the highest quality for our patients.
“We in the process of developing plans and engaging with our staff.”
In response to the reports, Peter Bottomley, MP for Worthing West, said: “This is new to me and it would be news to me and to others if confirmed.
“What I can say is that a patient'sfamilyortheirdoctormay beslowtogainassessmentbyan experienced expert.
“Diagnosis matters for this condition as with others.”
Tim Loughton, MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, said: “I hope the trust will clarify the situation soon and their longer term plan for local services.”