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Memory service (Kirklees)
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About the service
Kirklees memory service accepts referrals for those individuals aged 65 and over who are experiencing difficulties with memory/cognitive functioning. The service has a specialist team for those under 65 years of age called the Crowlees early onset dementia team. The memory service is a commissioned service that covers the whole of the Kirklees geographical area and has an agreed memory pathway.
The team specialises in assessment, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment to help with memory problems. For those diagnosed with dementia, the memory service provides access to the full range of diagnostic and post-diagnostic therapeutic services to support living well with dementia.
The team includes consultant psychiatrists, a clinical psychologist, advanced nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers and occupational therapists. The memory service works closely with other teams such as the community mental health team, GPs, social services, physiotherapists, admiral nurses and also voluntary sector services, such as Kirklees Dementia Hub.
Why would someone choose the service?
- The memory service is MSNAP accredited and is reviewed for quality standards every two years.
- Kirklees memory service is based at Folly Hall Mills, which is very close to Huddersfield town centre. It is easily accessed by public transport, and has good disabled access. Facilities include allocated visitor parking close to the entrance, and a café on the ground floor. Clients and carers alike often comment on the warm welcome they receive from our staff, and how quickly they feel at ease.
- Our team is made up of highly skilled, experienced, caring staff who strive to ensure your experience of memory services is a positive one. We treat each and every person with dignity and respect, and always ensure that your assessment is not rushed, and all your concerns are heard.
- Depending on need we can, if necessary, visit your home to complete our assessment.
- We are working to deliver a 7 week pathway developing a cognitive stimulation therapy programme in collaboration with Community Links.
Staff you may meet
- There are more than 60 different specialities that doctors work within the NHS. Each is unique but there are many characteristics which are common. Roles range from working in a hospital to being based in the community as a GP.
- Nurses who choose to specialise in the mental health branch of nursing work with GPs, psychiatrists, psychologists, and others, to help care for patients. Increasingly, care is given in the community, with mental health nurses visiting patients and their families at home, in residential centres, in prisons or in specialist clinics or units.
- Occupational therapy is the assessment and treatment of physical and psychiatric conditions using specific, purposeful activity to prevent disability and promote independent function in all aspects of daily life.
- The NHS employs a wide range of clinical staff, it wouldn’t be possible to list them all on this website! All our clinical staff are skilled, dedicated professionals who adhere to high standards of training and work-place practice.
- Adult psychotherapists work with people to assess and treat a range of emotional, social or mental health issues. They help people tackle problems such as behavioural issues, common challenges such as anxiety and depression or more complex or severe issues, such as psychosis or a personality disorder diagnosis.
- Receptionists are the first link for many patients and visitors. They often work on their own or with one or two other receptionists, greeting patients as they arrive and check them in. They might also collect patient notes and ensure that these vital records go to the right healthcare professional. In a clinic, they may make appointments and arrange patient transport.
- Social workers help, support and protect people who are facing difficulties in their lives. They help people to take positive steps to overcome problems and improve their lives. This could involve assessing and reviewing a service user’s situation, building relationships with service users and their families and agreeing what practical support someone needs.
Why a professional should choose the service
- Memory services are recommended for those with a possible diagnosis of dementia. The provision of a specialist service ensures that those with dementia have a correct diagnosis and that other medical causes of memory loss are considered. For those diagnosed with dementia, the memory service provides access to the full range of diagnostic and post-diagnostic therapeutic services to support quality of life.
- The memory service is ageless, in that we see clients aged 65 and over, but also have a smaller team of skilled practitioners who specialise in the assessment, diagnosis and support of early-onset dementia within the team.
- The memory service is a multi-disciplinary service including consultant psychiatrists, advanced nurse practitioners, memory nurses, liaison nurses, occupational therapists, a psychologist and support workers. In addition, we work closely alongside the admiral nurses, social services and third sector voluntary services such as Kirklees Dementia Hub, to provide a comprehensive service for our clients.
Support offered
All appropriate referrals made through the single point of access can expect:
- An appointment for a CT or MRI scan.
- An initial assessment: This is an hour long (approximately) appointment to discuss any concerns about memory, physical and mental health history, current difficulties, medication, and day to day activities. This assessment is carried out by a nurse or occupational therapist. It helps to gather information which is then used by a doctor (psychiatrist) to identify what is causing the difficulties with memory.
- Diagnostic appointment: A further appointment is then made with the consultant psychiatrist or advanced nurse practitioner for a diagnosis. Depending on the reasons for memory difficulties, the consultant may prescribe a medication called an “acetyl cholinesterase inhibitor”. This medication may help to slow down the process of worsening memory.
- A nurse will be allocated to the service user to monitor the effects of the medication until a suitable therapeutic dose is reached and tolerated.
- There is an opportunity after speaking with the consultant to speak with a member of Kirklees dementia hub who can offer support and advice.
- Duty line: Telephone support, advice and signposting.
Outcomes
- Triage to ensure referral to appropriate service
- Comprehensive assessment
- Diagnosis
- Possible treatment, depending on the cause of memory problems
- Review, monitoring and assessment of medication
- Support, advice and signposting to other agencies who may be able to help further
Referrals accepted from:
CMHTs, Consultants, GPs, Local authority staff, Single Point of Access team
Referral criteria:
The memory service is an ageless service and accepts referrals from people of all ages.
Prior to referral to memory services, there is an expectation that patients will have had all potential physical causes for memory problems investigated and ruled out. There is also an expectation that anxiety and/or depression, which may impact on cognitive function, has been excluded as a cause.