Avon and Wiltshire 'not meeting dementia waiting times'

A mental health trust says only a third of people with suspected dementia are getting a consultation within the prescribed four weeks.

Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership Trust guidelines also say any further treatment should start within 13 weeks of the consultation.

Another third of people are being seen within 10 weeks and the final third take longer, figures show.

The partnership said it was due to the success of an awareness campaign.

The partnership trust, which operates in Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, says it has increased training for GPs and held a number of public events to raise awareness of dementia.

The guidelines are agreed with the South West Strategic Health Authority.