PEOPLE with dementia who live in Wales - and those who live with and care for them - are being asked for their experiences of hospital care, as part of an Assembly inquiry.

The National Assembly for Wales' Cross Party Group (CPG) on Dementia, with the support of the Alzheimer's Society Cymru, is seeking evidence on the subject, and wants to hear from as many people as possible.

The inquiry into hospital care for people with dementia follows the launch of Welsh Government’s Dementia Action Plan earlier this year, which pledged to take action to improve such care.

"We want to hear directly from people affected by dementia in Wales, as well as professionals working in the health and social care sector," said Torfaen AM Lynne Neagle, who chairs the CPG.

"The evidence will be used to form an assessment of the effectiveness of the Welsh Government’s recommendations contained in the Plan, and whether it is working in practice.

"If you are living with dementia, or caring for someone with dementia, and have experienced hospital care, then we want to hear from you."

The inquiry will also look at the knowledge and understanding of dementia among medical staff, admission to hospital, discharge from hospital, and quality of care.

The Cross Party Group, which has representations from political parties across the Assembly, aims to improve understanding of the experiences of people affected by dementia, and to work collaboratively to make improvements to the care they receive.

To take part in the inquiry, e-mail walescpg@alzheimers.org.uk or write to Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, 16 Columbus Walk, Atlantic Wharf, Cardiff, CF10 4BY.

An online survey is also available at www.alzheimers.org.uk

Anyone wishing to submit their evidence in a different way, such as by phone, may telephone Sophie Douglas on 029 2047 5580.