Reinstate Dementia Diagnosis Targets - Please?
The Issue
MY NAME IS JOHN POPS HYDE & I HAVE DEMENTIA…
Finally an item that isn't about Donald Trump or Taylor Swift! Just Google ‘News’ to see what I mean?
… anyway…
Navigating life with dementia is a challenge that is both deeply personal and profound. For those of us journeying with this condition, setting daily and weekly targets becomes our direction and hope. These targets, whether ambitious or modest, serve not just as goals, but as motivations that propel us forward each day. They may not always be reached, yet their presence alone is an empowering force, giving structure and meaning to our chaotic journey.
Targets define our days!
The person you see in the mirror needs to be persuaded to reflect on the power of setting simple targets, not just for themselves, but for the entire community.
It is with great concern that I highlight the recent alarming decision by the government to remove the target for dementia diagnoses. This decision overlooks the vital importance of timely and accurate dementia diagnoses, which are critical in ensuring that individuals can access the necessary care and crucial support as early as possible.
The removal of such targets risks marginalizing the needs of thousands of individuals and families who are affected by dementia across the country. It also potentially overlooks those with undiagnosed Dementia in our communities who clearly could be a significant health risk both to themselves and to others.
Dementia is an urgent public health crisis. According to the World Health Organization, there are over 55 million people worldwide living with dementia, with nearly 10 million new cases each year. In our country alone, a significant proportion of the population is impacted either directly or indirectly by this condition. In the UK, a staggering 53% of us know someone with Dementia! Timely and accurate diagnosis significantly improves the quality of life, allowing individuals, like me, and our families to plan for the future, seek appropriate care, and access essential support services.
Reinstating the targets now is planning for the future for all families and their loved ones who with a timely and accurate diagnosis will continue to live well, ultimately saving us, as taxpayers, and our government, billions of pounds - money that would be otherwise wasted on unnecessary, or ineffective, care.
Knowing Dementia is now the biggest killer here in the UK, a robust diagnostic target compels healthcare systems to prioritise dementia diagnoses and ensures that resources and training are adequately allocated. Such targets not only reflect a genuine commitment to the well-being of those affected but also demonstrate a strategic effort to manage a condition that places a heavy burden on healthcare and social services.
Target setting importantly signals to us all, as fellow carers and owners of our beautiful country, that you care for us, and we are valued.
I am trying to urge the government to reconsider and reinstate a target for dementia diagnosis. By doing so, we can work together towards a future where individuals with dementia receive timely, accurate diagnoses and access the support they so urgently require.
My suggestion would ALWAYS be 100% and I support this because it's the figure I set as a daily standard for myself! However a government needs to be realistic.
Please join me and my family in signing this petition to ensure the voices of those navigating dementia are loudly heard, by the ears of Parliament, and that our healthcare system can continue in its commitment to providing necessary and timely dementia care.
I don't mind what colour rosette you vote for, and I’m not asking for myself. I’m asking on behalf of all those in the UK who, due to the target removal, will now fall through the cracks in our healthcare system as well as for all our future generations.
I need to gather a minimum of 10,000 signatures for me to be able to bang on the door, confront those in No. 10 Downing Street and allow our voices to be heard!
Please SIGN, and please share.
Let’s get this out there, let’s make it real and let’s get this sorted!
The Issue
MY NAME IS JOHN POPS HYDE & I HAVE DEMENTIA…
Finally an item that isn't about Donald Trump or Taylor Swift! Just Google ‘News’ to see what I mean?
… anyway…
Navigating life with dementia is a challenge that is both deeply personal and profound. For those of us journeying with this condition, setting daily and weekly targets becomes our direction and hope. These targets, whether ambitious or modest, serve not just as goals, but as motivations that propel us forward each day. They may not always be reached, yet their presence alone is an empowering force, giving structure and meaning to our chaotic journey.
Targets define our days!
The person you see in the mirror needs to be persuaded to reflect on the power of setting simple targets, not just for themselves, but for the entire community.
It is with great concern that I highlight the recent alarming decision by the government to remove the target for dementia diagnoses. This decision overlooks the vital importance of timely and accurate dementia diagnoses, which are critical in ensuring that individuals can access the necessary care and crucial support as early as possible.
The removal of such targets risks marginalizing the needs of thousands of individuals and families who are affected by dementia across the country. It also potentially overlooks those with undiagnosed Dementia in our communities who clearly could be a significant health risk both to themselves and to others.
Dementia is an urgent public health crisis. According to the World Health Organization, there are over 55 million people worldwide living with dementia, with nearly 10 million new cases each year. In our country alone, a significant proportion of the population is impacted either directly or indirectly by this condition. In the UK, a staggering 53% of us know someone with Dementia! Timely and accurate diagnosis significantly improves the quality of life, allowing individuals, like me, and our families to plan for the future, seek appropriate care, and access essential support services.
Reinstating the targets now is planning for the future for all families and their loved ones who with a timely and accurate diagnosis will continue to live well, ultimately saving us, as taxpayers, and our government, billions of pounds - money that would be otherwise wasted on unnecessary, or ineffective, care.
Knowing Dementia is now the biggest killer here in the UK, a robust diagnostic target compels healthcare systems to prioritise dementia diagnoses and ensures that resources and training are adequately allocated. Such targets not only reflect a genuine commitment to the well-being of those affected but also demonstrate a strategic effort to manage a condition that places a heavy burden on healthcare and social services.
Target setting importantly signals to us all, as fellow carers and owners of our beautiful country, that you care for us, and we are valued.
I am trying to urge the government to reconsider and reinstate a target for dementia diagnosis. By doing so, we can work together towards a future where individuals with dementia receive timely, accurate diagnoses and access the support they so urgently require.
My suggestion would ALWAYS be 100% and I support this because it's the figure I set as a daily standard for myself! However a government needs to be realistic.
Please join me and my family in signing this petition to ensure the voices of those navigating dementia are loudly heard, by the ears of Parliament, and that our healthcare system can continue in its commitment to providing necessary and timely dementia care.
I don't mind what colour rosette you vote for, and I’m not asking for myself. I’m asking on behalf of all those in the UK who, due to the target removal, will now fall through the cracks in our healthcare system as well as for all our future generations.
I need to gather a minimum of 10,000 signatures for me to be able to bang on the door, confront those in No. 10 Downing Street and allow our voices to be heard!
Please SIGN, and please share.
Let’s get this out there, let’s make it real and let’s get this sorted!
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Petition created on 23 May 2025