27.08.15
‘Significant’ north-south divide in neurological diagnostic services
There is “significant variation” and a glaring north-south divide in the provision of local diagnostic services, according to the latest figures.
New data from the PHE Neurology Intelligence Network (NIN), covering 2012-13, shows that among the 78% of CCGs that offered consultant neurologist outpatient appointments, there was wide variation in the proportion in new appointments provided in the CCG’s own area, ranging from just 1% (Swale, Wokingham and South East Kent) to 99.3% (Liverpool).
In 37 of the 211 CCGs in England, the proportion of new appointments provided locally surpassed 80%, while in 27 CCGs the figure was less than 20%.
Furthermore, there was a clear north-south divide in the proportion of locally provided new consultant appointments.
In the Strategic Clinical Networks (SCNs) covering southern England – including the south west, Wessex, the south east coast, Thames Valley, the east of England and West Midlands – there was a “relatively good provision” of local diagnostic services.
This contrasted with a “complete lack of local provision” in large parts of the east Midlands and north-west England.
Additionally, where these services were provided in the north, most people had to travel to appointments outside their local CCG area.
John Newton, chief knowledge officer at Public Health England, said: “People with neurological issues need access to timely and effective services. Helping commissioning teams understand the demand for services and raising awareness of what is happening in their area is essential to ensure services are appropriately commissioned and able to provide timely, long-term care.
“We hope this report will open up debate locally and encourage teams to take a closer look at local provision and make improvements where they are needed.”
Accurate and timely outpatient diagnoses of neurological symptoms are crucial to treating the long-term care of people with illnesses, ranging from migraines to motor neuron disease.