What next? Experiences of social support and signposting after a diagnosis of dementia

The experience of being diagnosed with dementia can be shocking. This may be compounded if individuals feel that there is a lack of signposting onto further avenues of support following diagnosis. This study, then, examines how social support is promoted in the diagnostic process. Using purposive sampling and a grounded theory approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 members of a dementia empowerment group in Northern Ireland, discussing both their experience of diagnosis and also their subsequent group membership. Respondents reported both positive and negative experiences of diagnosis. Feelings of shock and bewilderment accompanied this process. Only one was able to identify a direct link between a medical professional and referral to the empowerment group, others being referred by other health professionals or dementia navigators. The study indicates that, due to disorienting feelings, one diagnostic consultation is insufficient to explain both the diagnosis and offer follow-up support. Therefore, more explicit links to navigators or other services need to be made at the point of diagnosis to prioritise information regarding opportunities for social engagement for those being diagnosed.

A Strategy for Health & Social Care Research and Development in Northern Ireland

The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) is seeking your views on a A Strategy for Health & Social Care Research and Development in Northern Ireland Allowing for public holidays, the draft Strategy has been issued for a 13 week consultation period from 29 September 2014. åÊResponses must be received no later than 5pm on Friday 2 January 201

Revised Service Framework for Respiratory Health and Wellbeing Consultation

The Service Framework for Respiratory Health and Wellbeing was originally launched in June 2009. It has recently been subject to a fundamental review and also to an independent review by the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA). The revised Framework includes 56 standards, which relate to a number of specific conditions, as well as communication and patient and public involvement, health improvement and protection, social emotional support, information, training, medicines management, and palliative and end of life care. å

Health Inequalities: NI Health % Social Care Inequalities Monitoring System - Regional 2014

Key Points: Health outcomes are generally worse in the most deprived areas in Northern Ireland when compared both with those witnessed in the region generally and in the least deprived areas. Large differences (health inequality gaps) continue to exist for a number of different health measures. åá Males in the 20% most deprived areas could expect, on average, to live 4.3 fewer years than the NI average and 7.3 fewer years than those in the 20% least deprived areas.åá Female life expectancy in the most deprived areas was 2.6 years less than the regional average and 4.3 years less than that in the least deprived areas.åá The overall death rate for males as measured by the All Age All Cause Mortality (AAACM) rate was a fifth higher in the most deprived areas (1,567 deaths per 100,000 population) than the NI average (1,304 deaths per 100,000 population), and 44% higher than in the least deprived areas (1,090 deaths per 100,000 population).åá The overall death rate for females (AAACM) in the most deprived areas (1,093 deaths per 100,000 population) was 17% higher than regionally (935 deaths per 100,000 population), and a third higher than in the least deprived areas (829 deaths per 100,000 population).åá The suicide rate in the most deprived areas (30.7 deaths per 100,000 population) was three times that in the least deprived areas (10.1 deaths per 100,000 population). All HSCIMS reports are published on the Departmental website at: http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/index/statistics/health-inequalities.ht

Health Survey Northern Ireland: First Results 2013/14

This report presents results from the 2013/14 Health Survey Northern Ireland. It includes information on general health, mental health and wellbeing, diet and nutrition, physical activity, obesity, smoking, drinking and sexual health. Differences reported are those that are statistically significant at the 95% confidence level. The fieldwork for this survey was conducted from April 2013 to March 2014. Results are based on responses of 4,509 individuals, with a response rate of 66% achieved. å