An appeal has been made to Andy Burnham to establish a formal waiting-time target for dementia services in Greater Manchester, with England's former national cancer director backing an 18-week referral-to-treatment standard.
The proposed 18-week referral-to-treatment target would mirror the type of timeframe used for other serious illnesses. The endorsement from a former national cancer director adds prominence to the call and reflects growing attention on timely access to diagnosis and care for people with suspected dementia.
Andy Burnham, who is mayor of Greater Manchester, would be the public figure at the centre of the discussion about whether a regional waiting-time standard should be adopted. The suggestion places focus on the role of local and regional leaders in setting measurable expectations for health services.
Supporters of a formal target say clear timeframes can create accountability and help monitor performance, while critics have previously warned that targets need to be matched by resources and capacity to be effective. The call from the former cancer director is likely to prompt debate among clinicians, campaigners and policymakers about the best way to improve access to dementia assessment and care.
It is not known what immediate steps, if any, Burnham or Greater Manchester health officials will take in response to the recommendation. The issue is likely to remain under discussion as stakeholders consider how to balance ambitious standards with available funding and service provision.