Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps he is taking to improve access to trials for new dementia treatments.
Minister of Health: My Department recognises that dementia is one of the fastest-growing health challenges facing Northern Ireland.
My HSC Research & Development Division are supporting interventional research linked to dementia, cognitive decline and anticipatory care planning. They are also exploring how Northern Ireland can become part of the UK Dementia Trials Network.
My officials have held discussions with the Alzheimer’s Society regarding the Dementia Research Nurse programme which will improve access to and delivery of trials. There is growing recognition that we need to ready the NI health and care system now to attract these studies in and to secure access for patients.
ENDS
Your MLA 