Kent and Medway training programme shortlisted for Dementia Friendly Kent Award

A system wide training programme that supports timely, consistent and proportionate diagnosis of advanced dementia, particularly for people living in care homes, has been shortlisted for a Dementia Friendly Kent Award.

The Level 1 Diagnosis of Advanced Dementia Model (DiADeM) training, led by Kent and Medway Provider Collaborative in collaboration with Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust uses a structured clinical approach that helps GPs diagnose advanced dementia using detailed information prepared by care homes.

Dr Adrian Richardson, Director of Transformation and Partnerships at Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, said: “We are delighted that the Level 1 DiADeM programme has been shortlisted for a Dementia Friendly Kent Award. Our first training session was very well attended, showing the strong commitment across our system to improving dementia care. This nomination recognises the partnership working behind the programme and our shared focus on improving equity and quality in diagnosis.”

We are now seeing a significant and growing dementia population in Kent and Medway, largely driven by an ageing population. There are currently more than 23,000 people aged over 65 living with dementia in our area.

The Level 1 DiADeM training programme aims to reduce variation and support more consistent practice across the system, improving both the quality and fairness of dementia diagnosis for people in Kent and Medway.

GPs and primary care clinicians across Kent and Medway are invited to attend the training webinar that provides practical guidance on using the DiADeM tool, explains when it should be applied, and outlines how care homes prepare structured pre-assessment information. It also shows how the pathway fits within the wider Kent and Medway dementia pathway.

In preparation for the 2026-2027 Locally Enhanced Service, involvement in the Dementia DiADeM Training would be advised for clinical colleagues.

The Dementia Friendly Kent Awards, now in their eighth year, celebrate individuals, groups and organisations helping to make Kent and Medway a more dementia-friendly place to live.

Led by the Kent Dementia Action Alliance, brings together partners including Kent County Council and Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust to recognise those making a real difference for people affected by dementia.

To find out more about future DiADeM training sessions, visit: www.kentmedwaymentalhealth.nhs.uk/news-and-events/news/new-system-wide-training-to-strengthen-dementia-diagnosis-in-primary-care/