The memory service in Northallerton has received national accreditation from the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
The service, led by consultant Dr Austin Roberts and memory nurse Maggie Layfield, is based at The Friarage Hospital and provides assessment, diagnosis and ongoing treatment and support for service users, and their carers, who present with memory impairment.
It was rated as excellent through the Memory Services National Accreditation Scheme. This scheme, developed by the Royal College of Psychiatrists, works to assure and improve the quality of memory services for people with memory problems or dementia and their carers.
Accreditation involves a comprehensive process of self and peer review, over six to nine months, through which good practice and high quality care are recognised. Services are also supported to identify and address areas for improvement. The process of accreditation is ongoing and the service is subject to regular reviews to ensure that standards have been maintained and that areas highlighted for improvement have been addressed.
Service users and carers with first hand experience of using memory services are encouraged to get involved in all stages of the accreditation process.