How NHS betrayed Alzheimer's patients: As a third of services are slashed, the Mail launches Christmas appeal to halt neglect
By Daniel Martin
02nd December 2008
The scandal of widespread cutbacks in NHS care affecting thousands of Alzheimer's patients is exposed today.
Almost one in three health trusts admits axing vital services such as district nurses and day centres, leaving desperate families to struggle alone.
Fewer than half are running clinics to spot early signs of Alzheimer's despite soaring numbers of patients.
And, most damningly, two in five trusts fail to provide any dementia services at all.
The disturbing findings are unveiled as the Daily Mail launches Action on Alzheimer's, our Christmas appeal to raise funds for those with this devastating disease and other dementia conditions.
Celebrities including Sir Cliff Richard and broadcaster Angela Rippon have given their heartfelt support to the campaign.
The findings on NHS care, from a survey carried out for the Alzheimer's Society, shows that help has never been more needed.
Around 700,000 people have dementia in Britain, costing the nation £17billion a year.
Neil Hunt, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society, said: 'The NHS is completely failing to face to the fact that we have a serious issue here, not just in terms of numbers but in terms of the terrible impact of dementia on an increasing number of sufferers or their families.
'If we were talking about cuts to services for another disease, such as cancer, there would be a national outcry, and the NHS would not be able to get away with it.
Abridged
SOURCE: Mail on Sunday
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