Simon Danczuk praises Rochdale dementia services

Dr Shona McCallum and Sr Lou Harkness-Hudson, clinical matron at Rochdale Infirmary (dressed in 1940s army costume) both showing local MP Simon Danczuk and the Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale inside the Oasis unit for medical patients with dementia

Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk has praised the town’s dementia care services and urged hospitals across the UK to learn from the example set by Rochdale Infirmary.

Speaking in a House of Commons debate, Mr Danczuk invited Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt to view the “fantastic dementia provision” in Rochdale to see what lessons could be learned.

In response, Mr Hunt said he would be “happy” to observe the care given in Rochdale to see how dementia provision could be improved across the NHS.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Danczuk said: “I’m delighted the Secretary of State has agreed to look at the excellent level of care that our local NHS trusts provide for dementia patients.

“As more of us are living longer, the number of people being diagnosed with dementia is increasing.

“Local dementia care is truly exceptional and I believe NHS trusts across the country can learn a lot from the way things are done here in Rochdale.”