And did they mention the amount of wasted time and money that part of the system generates, not to mention the distress it can cause to patients?

My mum (85) has memory loss, turning into Dementia.  She has been assessed by her GP, a Specialist Geriatric GP, the Geriatric Mental Care Psychiatrist at the local hospital, Social Services (twice) and a care providing company.  We were summoned to the GP surgery a year after her diagnosis for routine re-assessment (to keep their records up to date) and more recently had a letter from the hospital for the same reason. 

Eight assessments,  no therapy or medication possible, the only practical help from the care company for which we pay.  Why aren't all the NHS staff and social services sharing her notes,  they do the same tests, ask the same questions again and again.  What's the point of distressing my mother by forcing her to travel to various surgeries and clinics and confronting her with her deterioration on a regular basis.  All these assessors on good salaries and her carer gets about £8 an hour.   Too many useless bums on seats draining away the cash that should be providing care packages.