A SERVICE for people with dementia and memory problems in Gloucestershire has received national accreditation from the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

Managing Memory ²gether offers memory assessment, diagnosis and treatment as well an information and education service for people worried about memory, people with dementia and their carers.

The team consists of specialist memory assessment nurses as well as consultant psychiatrists, occupational therapists, psychologists and speech and language therapists.

Following a lengthy inspection process, the Gloucester service is now part of the Memory Services National Accreditation Programme, which has been set up to ensure high quality care is provided to people with dementia across the UK.

Dr Cathey Dukes, consultant psychiatrist for older people with ²gether NHS Foundation Trust, which provides the service, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have received this accreditation, which reflects the high standards of support and care Managing Memory ²gether aims to provide.

“Dementia and related conditions are a growing issue both nationally, and within Gloucestershire, so it is very reassuring for us and our service users and carers to have confirmation that what we are doing in the county is worthy of recognition on a national stage.”

The accreditation lasts until January 2016 and over the next two years our challenge will be to continue to provide a good service with an increasing number of referrals.

In addition to assessment and treatment services Managing Memory ²gether also operates a community dementia nursing service and a telephone advice line, as well as providing courses and information sessions about dementia and memory loss.

To contact Managing Memory 2gether ring 0800 694 8800 or email managingmemory@glos.nhs.uk