Chamber
Plenary, 11 Feb 2009
11 Feb 2009 · S3 · Plenary
Item of business
Accident and Emergency Services (Dementia)
Speaker
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That the Parliament notes the launch of the report, People with Dementia in NHS Accident and Emergency - Recognising Their Needs, by the Cross Party Group on Alzheimer's; is concerned that evidence suggests that, while an estimated 70% of elderly people attending accident and emergency will show some sign of having mental health problems including dementia, less than 10% of problems are identified by admitting doctors; notes evidence that suggests that the average length of stay for an older person with dementia in accident and emergency is between three and seven hours and that readmission for this vulnerable group is likely to result in high levels of functional decline; further notes that mortality rates for patients with dementia admitted to hospital are higher than for other elderly people with some studies suggesting that as many as 30% of such patients die within six months and more than 10% are readmitted and may be placed in institutional care as a consequence; recognises the report's recommendation that where clinically possible there should be a presumption against admission for patients with dementia and that specialist community-based care, including consultant support and diagnostic testing, is desirable; welcomes as a starting point the decision by NHS Ayrshire and Arran to appoint a mental health liaison nurse to lead the development of protocols, policies and guidelines relevant to patients with dementia, and believes that it is important that people with dementia are given appropriate and timely treatment that respects their dignity and independence.
In the same item of business
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Alasdair Morgan):
SNP
The final item of business is a members' business debate on motion S3M-3215, in the name of Irene Oldfather, on recognising the needs of people with dementia...
Motion debated,
That the Parliament notes the launch of the report, People with Dementia in NHS Accident and Emergency - Recognising Their Needs, by the Cross Party Group on...
Irene Oldfather (Cunninghame South) (Lab):
Lab
I am grateful to all those across the political parties who signed the motion. I am particularly grateful to the members of the cross-party group on Alzheime...
Ian McKee (Lothians) (SNP):
SNP
I congratulate Irene Oldfather on obtaining this most important debate. I also commend the cross-party group for the sensible suggestions in its Alzheimer's ...
The Deputy Presiding Officer:
SNP
I call Mary Scanlon, to be followed by Dr Richard Simpson.
Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con):
Con
It is never easy to be wedged between two doctors in a medical debate.I thank Irene Oldfather for bringing this debate to Parliament. As one of the conveners...
Dr Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab):
Lab
I add my congratulations to Irene Oldfather for today's result. It is a testament to the hard work that she has put in, and to the hard work of others such a...
Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD):
LD
I begin by thanking Irene Oldfather not only for securing this evening's debate but, more important, for her tireless and tenacious work in trying to help ma...
The Minister for Public Health (Shona Robison):
SNP
I thank Irene Oldfather for bringing this important debate to the Parliament. We have led the way in making dementia a national priority. I welcome the suppo...
Mary Scanlon:
Con
In my reading and preparing for the debate, an issue that MSPs have raised over the years was once again brought to my attention. I refer to the problems of ...
Shona Robison:
SNP
Quite a lot of work has been done on the issue, particularly considering the new role of the senior charge nurse. We want to ensure that those in that leader...
Meeting closed at 17:39.