Memory Assessment and Management Service – Patient Information Leaflet

This leaflet tells you what to expect when you come to the Memory Assessment and Management Service (MAMS).

Not sure about anything? Call us – we are happy to help.

We assess and diagnose common causes of memory problems, such as dementia.

Dementia is a common illness. It can affect memory, speech, planning, finding your way around and how you feel. It affects everyone in different ways.

Your GP or another doctor can refer you to us.

We see people of any age.

The clinic is in Alnwood at St Nicholas Hospital, Newcastle.

We are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. We close on bank holidays.

Our service is for people in Newcastle, and some parts of North Tyneside. The parts of North Tyneside we serve are:

Your first appointment will be with a specialist nurse or psychologist. It will last up to two hours.

They will explain how the assessment works. They will talk with you and your family about how we can support you.

When you arrive, please go to the MAMS reception desk.

What happens after your first visit
You will normally have at least two more appointments after your first visit. You may also need tests such as a brain scan.

You can bring a family member or friend to your appointments. Please bring a list of any medicines you take.

Who you will see
Our team has staff with different skills and training. You will see the person best able to help you. This is most likely to be a nurse, psychologist or a doctor.

We aim to fully assess your memory and give you a clear diagnosis. This means you can start treatment and get support.

We can then:

• give advice to you and your family
• refer you to other services that can support your wellbeing
• offer treatments and services to suit your needs, like
  o medicines
  o adaptations
  o lifestyle changes
  o counselling and talking therapies

We also offer short group sessions for people with memory problems. These are useful for you and your family or carer. Ask a member of the team for more details.

If you need an interpreter, please let us know. We can book one for your appointment.

MAMS
Alnwood
St Nicholas Hospital
Jubilee Road
Gosforth
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE3 3XT

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0191 246 8753

The hospital is easy to reach by bus, train or car.

For travel help, contact Traveline
Phone: 0871 200 22 33
Website: www.traveline.info

There is pay and display parking on site. Charges run from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday:

• Up to 1 hour = £1.00
• 1 to 2 hours = £1.50
• 2 to 3 hours = £2.00
• 3 to 4 hours = £2.50
• Over 4 hours = £8.00

Got a Blue Badge?
Please display it clearly to avoid a parking charge.

We don’t arrange ambulance transport. If needed, ask your GP four to seven days before your visit.

We help train doctors and other health and care staff. Students may be present at your appointment. We will always ask for your consent first.

We also work with research teams on studies to help people with memory problems.

We may ask if you would like to take part in a study. We will always ask your permission before sharing your details with the research team.

You do not have to take part. Your care will stay the same.

We keep your information private. We only share it with staff involved with your care, such as your GP.

We will always check with you before sharing your information.

We keep all records safe and secure.

You can talk to a staff member or use the contacts listed below. Other ways to give feedback.

Your Voice

Email: [email protected]

Use this email to share your thoughts on the care you have received. Your feedback could be any type of experience, good or bad. You can also ask us to let you know what happens with your feedback.

Comments and complaints

If you believe something went wrong, let us know.
This will help us make sure it does not happen again.

Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0191 245 6672
Write to:
Complaints Department
Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
St Nicholas Hospital
Gosforth
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE3 3XT

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

PALS offer a free, confidential service for any concerns about your care. They give advice and support to patients, families and carers.

North of Tyne and North Cumbria
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0800 032 0202

Contact the Patient Information Centre for:
• Information sources
• Production details
• Audio
• Large print
• Easy read
• Braille
• British Sign Language
• Other languages

We welcome your feedback about this leaflet.
Call the Patient Information Centre on 0191 246 7288

Copyright © 2026 Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
Ref: PIC/703/0426 April 2026 V6
Review date: 2029

Website: www.cntw.nhs.uk

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