Alzheimer’s Society responds to NHS Operational Planning Guidance for 2025-6
Today (30 January), the dementia diagnosis rate target (that 66.7% of people living with dementia in England should have a diagnosis) has been removed from the NHS Operational Planning Guidance for 2025-6. Fiona Carragher, Chief Policy and Research Officer at Alzheimer’s Society, responds to the announcements:
“Alzheimer’s Society is shocked to learn that dementia, including a dementia diagnosis target, has been removed from the NHS Operational Planning Guidance meaning it is not considered one of England’s healthcare priorities.
“This glaring omission is unacceptable and sends the message that dementia doesn’t matter. It highlights a staggering lack of focus on a devastating condition that affects nearly a million people in the UK and contradicts the UK Government’s stated ambition to improve diagnosis rates.
“A third of people living with dementia in the UK do not have a diagnosis, leaving them without access to care, support and treatment and putting them at greater risk of crisis. We also know that early diagnosis can help reduce some of the huge costs and pressure dementia places on the NHS. The inclusion of the 66.7% national dementia diagnosis target in the 2024/25 guidance at least showed NHS England was committed to improving diagnosis and providing vital local accountability. The same now cannot be said for the year to come. This is a backwards step which will alarm all those affected by dementia.
“The removal of a dementia diagnosis target makes it even more important that the forthcoming 10-Year Plan for Health delivers for dementia. We’re now calling on the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, to set ambitious and achievable new diagnosis rate targets in the 10 Year Plan, and for long-term investment in the tools and workforce needed to get everyone the diagnosis they deserve.”
