ELDERLY patients in Wiltshire are having to wait up to a year for a dementia diagnosis, new figures show.

The shocking statistics put Wiltshire as one of the worst performing areas in the country. There is a wide disparity across the country of the length of time patients have to wait for tests after being referred by their GP, ranging from a few weeks up to 12 months.

A backlog of cases and delays to CT scans are the reasons being given to the extensive delays.

Dementia charities and experts have said the delays not only increase the anxiety for patients but also increase pressure on doctors.

A spokesman for the Wiltshire Clinical Commiss-ioning Group said it hopes to have much of the backlog cleared by September.

He said: “As part of the dementia strategy, the focus is on early identification of dementia symptoms – through GP led assessments, supported by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership specialist memory nurses.

“This means that individuals will be assessed and provided with a timely diagnosis, especially in the ‘at risk’ patient groups. This diagnosis will then be followed by appropriate treatment plans.

“The emphasis on assessing, diagnosing and prescribing in GP practices allows for a shorter turnaround time for patients to receive a diagnosis and as a result of these changes, waiting times for specialist assessment are forecast to fall from over 11 months.

“Those patients who have complex needs will continue to be referred to specialist memory services and that assessment appointment is targeted to take place within four weeks of the GP referral.”

The CCG say they are working hard to address the problem and have invested heavily to reduce the waiting time. They say despite the current figures services towards dementia patients have improved.

The spokesman said: “We along with AWP and Wiltshire Council are proud of the progress made to ensure services are improved for people living with dementia in Wiltshire, and are working jointly with the voluntary sector and local GPs to improve early intervention and diagnosis of dementia.

“NHS Wiltshire CCG and Wiltshire Council have also invested in a new dementia adviser service which provides personalised information and signposting service for people with dementia and their carers.

“The service is being provided by Alzheimer’s Support and Alzheimer’s Society and may be accessed via many of the GP practices.”