Memory service (Wakefield)
Page last updated on:
About the service
The Wakefield memory service provides specialist assessment, diagnosis and treatment for people with memory problems.
Assessments usually take place in an individual’s home, with diagnosis and follow up visits being held in a clinic setting. Treatment is usually the prescription of an anti-dementia medication that helps to treat Alzheimer’s.
The memory service works as part of a larger health and social care support network for people with memory loss. This includes working alongside Wakefield admiral nurses to provide support for carers and families. Our local partners include GPs, social services, physical health services, the voluntary sector and other Trust mental health teams who can help if someone has a higher degree of need. We work closely with Wakefield Carers and the Wakefield Alzheimer’s Society for non-medical treatment and support, as well as social services for help with social care needs.
Referrals to our team usually come following an individual’s consultation with a GP. This ensures that a physical reason for memory problems is ruled out and that some basic health screening has already been completed.
Resources for advice/support
Parking and public transport
Why would someone choose the service?
The Wakefield memory service is easily accessed via your GP and our staff are friendly and approachable.
We make sure that we use language and information that is easy to understand and avoid using jargon and acronyms.
Information and advice from our team are always available and we will help you to work at your own pace and always respect your wishes.
Our use of patient satisfaction surveys means that we are always trying to improve the service we offer based on the feedback we receive from service users.
Staff you may meet
- Administrative staff provide essential support to doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals. This can be in a variety of different settings, with administrators working as a receptionist in a clinic or a clerk on a ward. They may also be working closely with a consultant as a medical secretary.
- Admiral nurses are specialist dementia nurses who give expert practical, clinical and emotional support to families living with dementia to help them cope.
- Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) within memory services is a nurse with additional training in diagnosing and treating memory problems.
- 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.
- Memory nurses work in memory clinics and are specifically trained in understanding and assessing memory problems such as dementia.
- A neuropsychologist role within memory services is to complete a neuropsychological assessment investigating why someone may be experiencing cognitive difficulties. This involves completing a range of questions, tasks and puzzles exploring different aspects of cognitive functioning. This information will then be collated, and the possible causes of the cognitive difficulties will be outlined in a feedback appointment.
- There are many people who work behind the scenes to keep services running and you may meet them in hospital or community settings. They include porters, cleaners, plumbers, electricians, decorators receptionists and secretaries who all work to make sure healthcare settings are kept clean, tidy and safe.
- The nurse consultant is the clinical lead for the memory service and specialises in dementia diagnosis and treatment. This is combined with responsibilities for research, education and service development.
- Psychiatrists are qualified doctors who diagnose and treat patients with mental health conditions. Psychiatry relies upon high-quality clinical skills assessments and diagnosis with help from technology.