PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
Easton calls for urgent improvements to dementia end-of-life care after Westminster event
North Down MP Alex Easton has called for urgent improvements to palliative and end-of-life care for people living with dementia, following his attendance at a dementia-focused event in Westminster on Tuesday.
The event, hosted by Dementia UK, brought together specialist Admiral Nurses, people living with dementia, and carers to highlight the real-life challenges families face across the United Kingdom.
Speaking after the session, Alex Easton MP said:
“This week I attended an important event in Westminster hosted by Dementia UK, where I had the opportunity to hear directly from specialist nurses, carers and those living with dementia about the very real challenges they face.
What I heard was both powerful and deeply concerning. Too many families are being left without the support, guidance and dignity they deserve at the most difficult time in their lives.”
Mr Easton also raised a deeply distressing case from a North Down constituent during discussions at Westminster.
“I highlighted a heartbreaking case brought to me by a constituent whose family suffered multiple losses due to dementia. After losing both parents, his mother-in-law also passed away from the illness.
What made this even more distressing was that the family were told to collect end-of-life medication themselves from a chemist. They were effectively left to manage a critical part of care on their own.
I have now written on behalf of my constituent to the Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt MLA, to seek clarity on this matter and to ensure no other family is placed in such a position.”
The Westminster event marked the launch of Dementia UK’s report, A Better Death: Fixing Palliative and End of Life Care for Dementia, which outlines clear recommendations to improve care and better recognise dementia as a life-limiting condition.
Mr Easton added:
“I was encouraged to hear that Dementia UK is working towards expanding its presence in Northern Ireland. While a part-time service is currently in place, there are plans to move towards a full service provision here in the near future.
This would be a very welcome step and one that could make a real difference to families across North Down and beyond.”
Mr Easton said the findings reinforced the urgent need for reform:
“Dementia is now the leading cause of death in the UK, yet far too many families are left unprepared and unsupported.
Research shows that nearly half of families are not told what to expect as their loved one approaches the end of life, and over 70% of carers say they did not receive enough support. That simply is not acceptable.”
He confirmed he is backing Dementia UK’s calls for change, including:
* Earlier planning and support from the point of diagnosis
* Better training for healthcare professionals in end-of-life dementia care
* Greater support for families and carers
* Expansion of specialist dementia nurses, including Admiral Nurses
* Better integration across health and social care services
Alex Easton MP added:
“It is vital that everyone, regardless of where they live in the United Kingdom, has access to high-quality, compassionate end-of-life care. Families should not be left to navigate this alone.
I am fully supporting Dementia UK’s campaign for improvements and will continue pressing the Government to deliver the changes that patients and families so clearly need.”
For support or advice on dementia, individuals can contact Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurse Helpline on 0800 888 6678 or visit [www.dementiauk.org](http://www.dementiauk.org).
Alex Easton MP
Member of Parliament for North Down
