The Memory Assessment Service follow up those who have not attended an appointment or who are difficult to engage.

You may have received an appointment to see the Memory Assessment Service. In case, you have lost the letter or you have forgotten about the appointment. If this happens, The Memory Assessment Service should follow up those who have not attended an appointment or who are difficult to engage. The Memory Assessment Service should contact you directly by telephone to check that you are still fine to attend. You need also to agree a new appointment. They should also ensure to remind you about the appointment nearer to the date. The Memory Assessment Service team should follows up patients who have not attended an appointment/assessment. If patients are unable to be engaged, a decision is made by the assessor/team, based on patient need and risk, as to how long to continue to follow up the patient.

For extra information, evidence and best practice please scroll down to the bottom of the page.

National offerings

MSNAP Memory Assessment Service Standards

The Royal College of Psychiatrists have a national accreditation programme for Memory Services against key standards. The website outlines the standards and the process.
Weblink: https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/improving-care/ccqi/quality-networks-accreditation/memory-services-national-accreditation-programme-msnap/msnap-standards

Healthwatch

Healthwatch is your health and social care champion. If you use GPs and hospitals, dentists, pharmacies, care homes or other support services, we want to hear about your experiences. As an independent statutory body, we have the power to make sure NHS leaders and other decision makers listen to your feedback and improve standards of care. Last year we helped nearly a million people like you to have your say and get the information and advice you need.
Telephone: Call: 03000 683 000 between the hours of 08:30 – 17:30 Monday to Friday
Email: enquiries@healthwatch.co.uk
Weblink: https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/your-local-healthwatch/list

Evidence

Royal College of Psychiatrists (2020) MSNAP Standards for Memory Services: "The team follows up patients who have not attended an appointment/assessment or who are difficult to engage, as per local policy. This could include making a phone call, sending a letter, visiting people at home or another suitable venue, using text alerts, or engaging with their carers to make it more proactive. If people continue to not engage, a decision is made by the assessor/team, based on need and risk, as to how long to continue to follow them up."

Best Practice Resources

Commissioned by NHS England, Leeds Beckett University worked in partnership with a wide range of partners (including contributions from Greater Manchester and Dementia United) to produce a guide to supporting continued development, improvement and innovation in Memory Assessment Services, which is available by clicking here The reference for this is Surr et al 2021 'Taking Memory Assessment Services into the future: A guide to supporting continuous development, improvement and innovation in memory assessment services. Leeds Beckett University.