Nicola Nadanakumaran, who was on work experience at Merton Council from November to February, gave an overview of the report. Ms Nadanakumaran stated that Dementia can have a significant impact upon those who experience it including withdrawal from everyday life. People from black and minority ethnic communities are more likely than their white counterparts to be affected by dementia. Recommendations for making Merton more dementia friendly included; local organisations such as Transport for London, to train staff in dementia awareness.

Daisy Tate Specialist Dementia Nurse for East Merton, said their role is a model of good practice. They help to identify and support those who are often missed and not diagnosed. They support GP’s and work with people who have been diagnosed to improve social inclusion and support their well-being.

They train professionals including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, district nurses. They offer dementia friends training to council staff, centre court, and the Tandem centre. The aim is for everyone to commit to an action to improve dementia.

The Borough Engagement Manager from Transport for London (TfL) shared the work that the organisation is using to support customers with dementia. He report that TfL use the Haringey checklist. This includes clear signage, contrasting colours for signage and providing staff assistance. The aim is to increase the confidence of the travelling public. All bus drivers are trained in raising awareness of hidden illnesses.

The Consultant in Public Health reported that there is a steering group which includes membership from public health and Merton Clinical Commissioning Group are developing a local dementia strategy. The Senior Public Health Principal said the public health team have conducted wide range engagement to develop the needs assessment  and determine what to include in the dementia strategy.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health said she is championing this issue and will continue to encourage councillors to complete the dementia friendly training. It is also important that young people are included in dementia work both in terms of diagnosis and as carers. Anne Reid, Dementia Nurse reported that the dementia hub has a young person’s support group.

A panel member asked for an overview on how the dementia services fit together. The Consultant in Public Health reported that the work of the steering group has helped to raise diagnosis rates. The steering group was also focussed on setting up the dementia hub, which was funded by adult social care. Primary and community care also play a big role in the work of the hub.

A panel member asked the from Transport for London to outline how they support people with dementia on the underground as there seems to be a reduction in station assistants.

The Borough Engagement Manager reported that the closure of ticket offices will lead to more station assistants however there are a number of challenges including budget cuts alongside population growth. Transport for London also support local projects, so are working on the development of Morden Town Centre.

A panel member said the hub is a very good service which we are very fortunate to have in the borough. However there are concerns about the future of funding as well as accessibility as the Hub is a long walk from the nearest bus stop. This presents a challenge for people with disabilities as travel costs can be expensive. An example was given of a lady with physical disabilities who pays £50 each time she attends the Hub.

RESOLVED

The Panel asked the dementia steering group to consider ways to make Merton dementia friendly and report back to the Panel in six months. The Panel would like details on specific projects with associated timescales.