A SERVICE supporting people living with dementia and their families in Worcestershire has received national accreditation for their focus on quality and person centred care.
The Dementia Assessment and Support Team (DAST) based at Kidderminster Hospital have been awarded MSNAP accreditation from the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
The service provided by Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust supports people to access a diagnosis of dementia and then explore interventions such as groups, psychosocial interventions, practical help and support, cognitive stimulation therapy and signposting to community and voluntary services.
They support patients of varying ages, through pre-diagnostic counselling, support with a diagnosis and adjustment to a diagnosis of dementia.
Their recent accreditation follows an audit by the Memory Services National Accreditation Programme (MSNAP) which sets out standards for memory services, covering assessment, diagnosis, pharmacological treatment and psychosocial interventions.
The process analyses feedback from people living with dementia, their families and their referrers. Along with a peer review undertaken by representatives from memory organisations including MSNAP and others working in memory services from around the country.
Only teams meeting required standards go onto be awarded the accreditation
Jayne Westwood, service manager for Older Adult Mental Health said “I am delighted to see the hard work of our staff has been recognised in this achievement. #
“We are a nationally recognised service due to our high quality of care and the compassion we provide to our patients and are proud to offer an accredited dementia service to the local population in Worcestershire”
Visit www.hacw.nhs.uk for more.
