Our memory assessment services are based across the county and provide assessment, diagnosis, initial treatment and information and support to you and your family if you are developing a form of dementia or other memory problems.
Our teams are made up of a consultant psychiatrist, doctors, psychiatric nurses, a psychologist and other mental health staff.
We offer an initial assessment, diagnosis, and treatment service, when a GP is concerned that you or someone you know, may be developing a form of dementia or other memory problems. We also provide information and support, including support to carers.
How to access our service
Your GP will undertake initial screening to identify your memory problems and then refer you to us. Once you have been referred, you will be seen within six weeks.
The service accepts referrals from a wide range of health and social care professionals, as well as voluntary services. We also accept queries and referrals direct from you and your carer – see email contacts and location details below.
Early diagnosis, intervention and support
In our service you will be supported every step of the way with:
- Pre-test information and support to make sure you fully understand the process, structure and possible outcomes of your assessment
- A full assessment that meets national (NICE) standards
- A clear diagnosis with support and information to help you understand your diagnosis, the implications, prognosis and the services available to provide ongoing support
- Further detailed specialist assessments promptly available where required, including further psychological support, occupational therapy assessments, diagnostic imaging (scans)
- A clear care plan agreed with you and your carer and support for both you and your carer
- Regular review and monitoring.
At all times we will make sure you have clear information provided in format that you find most helpful. We will make sure we work with you to develop a coping strategy, putting you in touch with educational and support groups for people with dementia. Where appropriate, you may be prescribed medication.
Other support for you and your carer
We can provide education and information packages, training and support for carers, including a carers assessment and ongoing carers support.
Our service gives you easy access to community mental health services where needed and to dementia advisors and services provided by the community and voluntary sectors. We make available advice on legal and financial issues, benefits entitlement for people with dementia.
We can give you easy access to advocacy services and advice on any technology or telecare which can help.
After assessment, your follow-up will be provided by our community mental health service, by referral to Alzheimers Society dementia advisors, Somerset County Council or for follow-up by your GP.
Our locations
Our service is based in nine locations across the county. Assessments can be carried out at other places in the community where appropriate.
Bridgwater
Glanville House, Church Street, Bridgwater TA6 5AT
CranleighOPMHTeam@somersetft.nhs.uk
Central & West Mendip
The Bridge, Priory Park, Glastonbury Rd, Wells, BA5 1TJ
OPMHCentralandwestmendip@somersetft.nhs.uk
Chard
Bracken House, Crewkerne Road, Chard, TA20 1YA
SPoA.olderpersonschard@somersetft.nhs.uk
East Mendip
Colliers Court, Manor Road, Frome, BA11 4BS
opmheastmendip@somersetft.nhs.uk
North Sedgemoor
The Mulberry Centre, Berrow Campus, Brent Road, Berrow TA8 2JU
mulberrycentre@sompar.nhs.uk
Taunton
Foundation House, Wellsprings Road, Taunton, TA2 7PQ
OPTauntonDeane@somersetft.nhs.uk
West Somerset
The Barnfield Unit, Minehead Community Hospital, Luttrell Way, Minehead TA24 6DF
OPMHMinehead@somersetft.nhs.uk
Yeovil
Magnolia House, 56 Preston Road, Yeovil, BA20 2BN
magnoliachmtadmin@somersetft.nhs.uk