CHESHIRE and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s (CWP) older people’s memory service is celebrating after receiving an award for the 10th consecutive year.

The service was accredited by the Royal College of Psychiatrists for its work assessing and diagnosing dementia, achieving the Memory Services National Accreditation Programme (MSNAP) award.

The older people’s memory service, with clinics in Chester, Clatterbridge, Ellesmere Port and Helsby, provides assessment, diagnosis and treatment for people with a range of memory problems as well as offering support to families and carers.

The news came in time for Dementia Action Week from May 20-26, a dedicated week calling on people to take action to create supportive dementia friendly communities, where people living with memory difficulties can continue to socialise with others, hop on the bus, go to their favourite shops or take part in local activities for as long as possible.

Dr Sadia Ahmed, CWP clinical director and consultant psychiatrist, said: “I am incredibly proud of the team in achieving this accreditation, particularly in their 10th consecutive year – they truly are a credit to our local community.

"The Royal College of Psychiatrists were very complimentary about the quality of care provided as well as awarding us a Sustainable Mental Health Service Commendation.

“Every three minutes, someone in the UK develops dementia. This means almost all of us know someone affected by dementia – a family member, friend or colleague which is why it’s so important to have high quality, responsive and caring services to help people be the best they can be.

"Accreditation assures our staff, people accessing services and their carers and regulators that the standard of care available is what we would all want for our loved ones.”

The older people’s memory service accepts referrals from GPs and other health professionals and is a multi-disciplinary team including doctors, an advanced nurse practitioner, mental health nurses, occupational therapists, social workers, a psychologist and support workers.

Susie Green, community mental health nurse and clinical lead for CWP’s older people’s memory service, said: “This is an excellent achievement and reflects the hard work, commitment and pride the team takes in providing quality care, we continue to strive to improve the service we provide in all areas of assessment, diagnosis, treatment and ongoing support.”