Dementia wait times halved in Kent and Medway

Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust has halved waiting times for dementia diagnosis, following the rollout of a new dedicated Memory Assessment Service (MAS). 

Average appointment waiting times have fallen dramatically from 27.1 weeks to just 12.6 weeks.  This means people in Kent and Medway are now being seen more than two months faster than the national average, a major improvement that places the trust among the best-performing areas for timely dementia diagnosis. 

The MAS model has also seen a significant increase in the proportion of people diagnosed within six weeks of referral. As of 1 April 2024, only 6% of patients received a diagnosis within this timeframe compared to 27.3% which has been achieved in November 2025 to date, marking strong progress in timely access to care.

These results follow the introduction of a new clinical model in 2024, where patients undergo assessment and receive a diagnosis in a single appointment, improving both the experience for local people, and the care provided. The redesigned approach has been rolled out across all six Memory Assessment Service teams in Kent and Medway.

Adrian Richardson, Director of Transformation and Partnerships, for Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust said: 

“This is a significant step forward for people living with dementia in Kent and Medway. We’ve heard from patients that going through multiple steps for assessment adds stress and anxiety, and for the NHS additional steps in the pathway can add to waiting lists and delay care. As a trust, we are committed to reviewing and improving our services, and so we took the bold step to change how we do things, introducing a new approach, launching our Memory Assessment Services, so that people can get the diagnosis they need in their first appointment. This change now means that local people get a faster diagnosis, and they and their families can access the care they need sooner.”

He added:

“We have an ageing population in Kent and Medway. 18% are aged over 65 and more than 25,000 residents are living with dementia and we expect that figure to rise to over 34,000 by 2030. Earlier diagnosis will help us to keep pace with this, providing support, medication and care sooner, so that we can help people to live well.”

Dr Sheeba Hakeem, Consultant Psychiatrist for Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust said: 

“In our clinic, we hear every day what a diagnosis means for people and their families. Early diagnosis is vital. By reducing waiting times, we’re giving people quicker access to tailored care, therapies and support. We are already seeing the positive impact for patients and families coming through our service.

“Only this week, a patient’s son shared that he came to the appointment worried his mum would be labelled with a dementia diagnosis and then sent on her way. Instead, he left with knowledge and clear guidance on how to support his mum to have the quality of life she deserves. He described the care as a 5-star service, exactly the kind of service we hope the NHS always provides, and said that is what he received today.”

The trust will continue to prioritise early dementia diagnosis, working closely with partners across Kent and Medway to respond to growing demand and secure timely assessment and support for people both now and in the years ahead.