To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) when his Department plans to publish an updated dementia strategy; and (ii) whether that strategy will include measures to improve emotional wellbeing and prevent isolation.

The strategic tool for Dementia is the Regional Dementia Care Pathway. The Pathway adopts a person-centred, holistic approach to Dementia care, ensuring that emotional and social needs are addressed alongside clinical support. The Pathway was developed with input from people living with Dementia and their carers, ensuring that emotional needs and social inclusion were not overlooked but embedded throughout the care journey.

Implementation of the Pathway has, regrettably, been delayed due to funding pressures, significant service capacity challenges to deliver existing care pathways with gaps in available workforce and increased demand. To address this, a Regional Dementia Services Project Board has been established to refocus attention on Dementia care as a priority across Northern Ireland.

Our Health and Social Care Trusts, working with community partners, remain committed to raising awareness and providing support for those living with Dementia and their Carers.