Dementia Services Development Centres. 

What is a Dementia Services Development Centre?

A Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) is an agency or organisation which exists to provide services and information in a specified geographical area on all aspects of dementia and dementia service provision to commissioners, service providers and policy makers. DSDCs are based on the successful model pioneered at Stirling University. They work to an agreed set of principles and deliver services in four key areas. Most have links with a university department. 

All DSDCs (operational and developing) belong to the DSDC Network.

What is the DSDC network?
The DSDC network is a forum for existing and developing DSDCs in the UK. It is supported by a grant given by the Department of Health (1998-2001).

Click here for a map showing locations and further details.

The role of the network

• Promote and facilitate collaboration and joint working amongst DSDCs.
• Facilitate the sharing of information amongst DSDCs.
• Enable the co-ordination of resource and funding issues common to members.
• Reduce possible areas of duplication/competition.
• Work to promote UK-wide coverage by DSDCs.

The network meets every three to four months and is developing other opportunities for collaboration and joint working for member centres. Meetings are also attended by representatives from the Department of Health.  The network is developing a shared database through an IT link.

Statement of principles and core services

This paper sets out the principles which should underpin Dementia Services Development Centres (DSDCs) in the United Kingdom and the core services the centres should provide. It was agreed by the DSDC Network on 6 March 1998.

Centres using the title Dementia Services Development Centre must be committed to the principles set out below and aim to deliver services in all of the four core areas listed.

1. Principles
   
   Each centre is committed to:

• Improving dementia care in a measurable way through the provision of a combination of information, education and training, research and support for service development.
• A multi-professional approach across all professions and service sectors.
• Working with commissioners and providers of services rather than offering a frontline service to users and/or carers.
• Maximising available resources and learning by collaborating with and complementing the work of other DSDCs in key areas such as database information and service and practice based research. Responding to the needs of a defined geographical area.
• Reflecting in its establishment and management arrangements a range of 'stakeholders' interests, including those of users and carers.
• Being a 'not for profit' organisation.

2. Core Services
   
   Centres will provide services and undertake work across a combination of four core areas. These are:

2.1  Service development, which may include:

Creating a database of different models of service provided for people with dementia in the geographical area covered by the DSDC.

Relating these services to criteria of good practice.

Providing a service development resource to advise agencies on the development of good quality cost effective models of service.

2.2  Service and practice based research, which may include:

Research which helps practitioners and local policy makers develop and deliver services for people with dementia and their carers.

Research priorities identified by practitioners themselves.

Complementary research areas that do not duplicate research carried out by other centres.

2.3  Staff training and practice development, which may include:

Direct training and practice development to staff and volunteers working in the field, including cross disciplinary training to break down professional boundaries.

Education programmes to key sectors and staff groups as the need is identified.

I2.4  Information and databases, which may include:

An information and database service for agencies working in the field of dementia in the geographical area.

Database services shared and networked between DSDCs that complement each other.

Contact us
Signpost Journal
c/o Practice Development Unit (MHSOP)
Whitchurch Hospital
Park Road
Cardiff CF14 7BP

Telephone: 029 2033 6073
E-mail: Signpost

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