17.01.12
NHS offers ‘poor services’ for neurological conditions
The Neurological Alliance has said that poor services for people with neurological conditions and rising case numbers are causing problems in the NHS.
The Alliance’s comments follow a report by the National Audit Office, which criticised standards of care and said the situation meant that too many patients were ending up in hospital as emergencies, resulting in them being seen by staff who were not specialists in neurological conditions.
The Alliance said that a higher priority needed to be given to the issue. There are currently more than 200,000 people in theUKwith a long-term neurological condition, a figure expected to rise because of the ageing population.
The Neurological Alliance wants to have a ‘neurology tsar’ appointed to champion the cause at a national level. It also believes there should be expert networks of specialists coordinating care at local level and action to ensure every patient gets a personalised care plan.
Steve Ford, chairman of the Neurological Alliance, said: “A crisis is looming but the Government has its head in the sand.
“When it comes to helping vulnerable people with a neurological condition, the Government is floundering around in a fog of its own making.”
Care services minister Paul Burstow said: “Care for people with neurological conditions is not good enough and we must do more. It is clear that too many people are not getting personalised support to suit their needs.”
He said the Government was looking to place more emphasis on the care of people with long-term conditions through investment in services such as telehealth.
The Alliance will give evidence to MPs on the Commons Public Accounts Committee later this week.
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]