Andy Burnham Urged to Implement 18-Week Dementia Referral-to-Treatment Target

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is under increasing pressure to set an 18-week target for dementia referral-to-treatment. Professor Sir Mike Richards, who previously served as England's national cancer director, has publicly supported this initiative, arguing for its implementation within the region's devolved health and social care system.

Professor Sir Mike emphasised that dementia care should receive the same attention and structured targets as cancer services. He stated that the current lack of a defined waiting-time standard for dementia diagnosis and intervention leads to unacceptable delays and uncertainty for patients and their families. An 18-week target, he contends, would provide a clear framework, driving improvements in service delivery and patient outcomes.

The proposal highlights a persistent gap in UK healthcare provision, where despite the widespread impact of dementia, no national waiting-time target currently exists. Advocates for the target argue that its introduction in Greater Manchester could serve as a model for wider adoption, compelling central government to address the disparity in care standards for dementia compared to other major health conditions.