Background to the initiative
We are delighted to announce our new innovation sites (Primary Care Clusters) to test the relocation of dementia post-diagnostic support services within a primary care setting. This work has been commissioned by the Scottish Government’s Dementia Innovations Unit, following consultation with the Primary Care Engagement and Innovation team, and is being led by the Focus on Dementia team, ihub at Healthcare Improvement Scotland in partnership with NHS Education for Scotland (NES) and Alzheimer Scotland.

Application and Selection Process
An application process was used whereby Integration Joint Boards were invited to support clusters to apply. We were delighted with the interest in this work and received a higher number of applications than anticipated which allowed us to source additional funding to identify a third site. Ten applications were received and reviewed against criteria by the selection panel. Based on the collective feedback from panel members, three clusters were chosen based on clear evidence of the necessary infrastructures in place to achieve maximum outcomes. We would like to thank everyone who has been involved in the application and selection process.

Next Steps

• We would like to continue to engage with Primary Care Clusters who applied for this work to share learning and identify opportunities.
• We will be appointing a GP to work with us to support this work. Advert coming soon!
• We will be meeting with innovation sites over the summer to start this work.

Innovation Sites are:
Nithsdale (Dumfries and Galloway)

Nine GP practices working across 14 surgeries. Population is 59,217 people, of these 593 people currently have a diagnosis of dementia.

North East Edinburgh

Eight GP practices from Leith walk to The Inch. Population in the East Edinburgh cluster is 57,724 people, of these currently 740 people have a diagnosis of dementia

Shetland

Cluster covers all ten GP practices. Population is 23,000, of these currently 170 people have a diagnosis of dementia.

Further information
For further information or to request an application pack please email: hcis.focusondementia@nhs.net