Reviewed on : 9 Feb 2024

Reviewed by : Caroline Button & Gateway Editor

Expires : 9 Feb 2026

CWPT Dementia Assessment and Community Service IPU 18-21 (formerly Arden Memory Assessment/Community Dementia Service) accepts referrals from GPs for patients who meet all of the following criteria:

For Suspected Dementia:

• Patient has a history of cognitive impairment > 6 months duration not attributable to another physical or mental health condition e.g. delirium, recent CVA, drug or alcohol abuse 
• Patient has complex presentation or require differential diagnosis
• Patient has capacity to consent to the assessment and agree to the process (For patients who lack capacity, best interest principles of care apply)

For patients with existing diagnosis of dementia:

• Patient requires specialist intervention for the management/treatment of mental health problems secondary to the diagnosis of dementia
• Patient requires interventions provided by specialist mental health social workers e.g. carer/financial assessment, care packages/transition into 24hour care
• Patient requires advice and interventions regarding behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) or positive behavioural support

Consultant Psychiatrist GP advice line 

If in doubt about a psychiatry referral or you wish for any other advice including about medication then call 02476 932420* (between 9.45am-4.30pm Monday to Friday) * number updated April 2018.

The telephone call will be followed by a summary of the management advice.

Referral

The team will respond within a maximum of 10 working days from receipt of the referral by phone directly on 08081 966798 option 1 (24hrs/7days p.w.) or by referral form (please see link in right hand panel) and send by email: MHreferrals@covwarkpt.nhs.uk

Preliminary investigations such as blood tests required for a dementia screen and requests for a CT/MRI scan should be carried out prior to referral where possible.

Please indicate in your referral if patient has mobility/access requirements.