The National Audit of Dementia (NAD) measures the performance of general hospitals in England and Wales against standards relating to care delivery which are known to impact people with dementia while in hospital.
Standards are derived from national and professional guidance, including NICEQuality Standards and guidance1, the Dementia Friendly Hospitals Charter2, and reports from the Alzheimer’s Society, Age Concern and Royal Colleges. updated for every round of audit.
“Dementia” is the term used to describe a range of symptoms that can include memory loss, difficulties with thinking, problem solving or language and changes in mood and behaviour. It is caused when the brain is damaged by diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, or a series of strokes. People with dementia are known to experience adverse effects resulting from hospital admission, including increased confusion, long lengths of stay and delayed discharge.
Improving dementia care remains a key national priority for health services in England and Wales. NHS England is committed to supporting improvements to hospital care as set out in the Dementia 2020 Implementation Plan. 6 The Welsh Government Dementia Action Plan for Wales promotes a whole system integrated care approach and a rights-based approach to improved hospital care, with quarterly reports on implementation led by Improvement Cymru.
