We work with partner organisations to provide a range of support for people experiencing memory loss as a result of dementia, as well as for their families and carers. The MAS is an accredited with MSNAP (Memory Services National Accreditation Programme from the Royal College of Psychiatrists).
These services include:
- memory assessment service (Dorset HealthCare) – or the assessment and diagnosis of memory problems which might be indicate dementia. This includes dedicated neuropsychology for more complex diagnoses. In addition, this service offers emotional wellbeing courses for carers and a group for people with mild cognitive disorder to help prevent them going on to develop dementia.
- dementia co-ordinators (Help & Care) – providing post-diagnostic support for people with a diagnosis of dementia, and their families and carers. This includes a dedicated Early Onset (younger) Dementia provision, as well as dementia roadshows offering information on dementia to local people and agencies. A range of other community-based services from Help & Care are also offered to those waiting for a memory assessment.
- cognitive stimulation therapy groups (Age UK) – an evidence-based, talking therapy for people with a diagnosis of dementia.
The MAS provides specialist help for residents of Dorset who may have an undiagnosed dementia causing memory problems that are affecting their daily life. We aim to diagnose the cause, offer treatment and advice, and direct you to other services that can provide support. It is important to all of us to maintain our independence for as long as possible. We want to ensure people living with dementia are able to lead the kind of life they want to live by getting an accurate diagnosis and treatment if appropriate.
Our MAS team comprises registered nurses, occupational therapists, clinical psychologists, advanced clinical practitioners / non-medical prescribers and psychiatrists. We offer our services in sites across the county and at home and we will always try to accommodate your preferences where possible.
Key information about this service
If you are experiencing memory loss problems, please see your GP in the first instance. They will ask you some questions and the answers – along with other relevant information, such as your medications or medical history – are used for a referral to the MAS. We will then arrange your first appointment.
We accept self-referrals in specific circumstances - if you have been with us within 12 months, you can self-refer back for various reasons without seeing their GP. Please contact us for more information.
Healthcare professionals
All new referrals for an assessment and diagnosis of memory problems (possible dementia) for people aged over 18 should be made by GPs or other healthcare professionals directly to the memory assessment service (MAS). There will be a single point of access (SPOA) for referrals to MAS. The MAS SPOA number is 0300 3035342.
For referrers other than GPs using SystemOne referral forms, there is a referral form that should be emailed to dhc.referralsmemory.assessmentservice@nhs.net.
Physical checks should be completed before referral to rule out any reversible causes of memory problems.
Your first appointment will be with a MAS specialist at an NHS clinic or it may take place by telephone or video-call. We can also visit you at home if you are not normally able to get to a clinic or are housebound. Please allow around an hour and a half for this appointment.
You will have been sent a form prior to the appointment with some key information that we need to know before we meet you that needs to be returned to us in a prepaid envelope. At the appointment you will be asked about the problems you face and how they affect your life on a day-to-day basis. We will ask about your health and any medications you are taking, and may take your blood pressure and pulse. Doing some memory testing will also help us learn more about your memory and how this affects you. We will ask who you would like your information shared with, such as your next of kin, partner or carer.
We will discuss what information you would like about any diagnosis and what the possible implications of a diagnosis might be for you or who else you want that information communicated to. However, you will not receive a definite diagnosis at this stage. After the appointment, the clinician will discuss your assessment with the multi-disciplinary team or MAS psychiatrist. We may refer you for further investigations, such as a brain scan, if we feel it is needed before a diagnosis can be made.
What should I bring with me to my appointment?
Please bring any glasses or hearing equipment you use. Please bring a relative or a friend who knows you well, as their contribution can be is very valuable.
What ‘memory test’ I will be asked to complete?
Lots of people worry about what they may be asked in a memory assessment. It is important to know there is no pass or fail aspect to the test. They are designed to help us understand how the different parts of your memory are working, so we can help as much as possible. The clinician will work through the test with you and explain things clearly. Please say if you have any particular concerns about the test, and let us know if English is not your first language or if you have any sight, hearing or literacy concerns. Your friend, carer or relative may also be asked to complete a questionnaire to give some other information to help us understand other aspects of your functioning.
Why might I need a brain scan?
A brain scan will help to show any changes which may have caused your memory problems so we can provide you with an accurate diagnosis. If you have had one within the last year, for a different reason, we will ask the radiology team to offer us a more specialist report so you don’t need to have another.
What happens next?
You will be offered an appointment with the team doctor or a clinician to discuss the outcome of the assessment, the memory test and any scan results. There are many causes of memory loss, including dementia, stroke disease, depression and other mental health problems. We will work with you to help you understand your diagnosis, and what treatment and support is best for you. If it is clinically appropriate and you are medically fit and want to try it, we may discuss a trial of dementia-modifying drugs with you. We will make any necessary referrals to post-diagnostic support care such as a dementia coordinator or cognitive stimulation therapy.
Canford Heath Health Clinic
Wi-Fi: No
Parking: Yes
Disabled access: Yes
Westminster Memorial Hospital - Shaftesbury
Wi-Fi: Yes
Parking: Yes
Disabled access: Yes
Weymouth Hospital - Weymouth
Wi-Fi: Yes
Parking: Yes
Disabled access: Yes
What support is available if I get a diagnosis of dementia?
Help & Care is working in partnership with us to provide comprehensive support and advice so people in Dorset can live well with dementia. You will be offered a named Dementia Co-ordinator to support you and those close to you. Help and Care - 0300 123 1916 (www.helpandcare.org.uk)
Age UK partners can offer an intervention called cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) to help people with dementia improve their memory and thinking skills and to cope with memory loss.
- Age UK North, South and West Dorset - 01305 269444 / cst
@ageuknswd.org.uk - Age UK Bournemouth, Poole and East Dorset - 01202 530530 / cst
@ageukbped.org.uk
What if I have any other questions?
Please contact us on the numbers below. We would be happy to answer any queries you may have.
Memory Assessment Service - 0300 3035342
Useful numbers and websites
Connection - 0800 6520190 (24-hour mental health support)
Home - Help & Care (local support while waiting for a memory assessment appointment)
Adult social care and health | BCP Adult social care - Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch: 0300 1239895
Care and support for adults - Dorset Council Adult Social Care - Dorset: 01305 221016
Alzheimer’s Society - 0333 1503456
Next Steps (information about support while waiting for a memory assessment appointment)
Adult social care - Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch: 0300 1239895 / Dorset: 01305 221016