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New neurology network?
A dedicated neurology network is needed to drive forward vital service improvements, deliver better outcomes and ensure better value for money within the NHS.
That is the key message of a new report published by the Neurological Alliance in collaboration with Neurological Commissioning Support.
Epilepsy Society is a member of both organisations which work to make life better for people across England with a neurological condition.
Key challenges facing neurology
Thinking Ahead: the case for a Strategic Clinical Network for Neurology spells out the need for a Strategic Clinical Network (SCN) for neurology. This would play an essential role in improving outcomes across the neurological spectrum and in addressing the key challenges facing neurology. These include:
- unacceptable variations in care
- poor co-ordination in care
- lack of knowledge
-
neglect of neurological conditions.
Care pathways
The role of SCNs will be to bring together primary, secondary and tertiary care clinicians alongside social care, the third sector and patients so as to advise NHS commissioners on best practice pathways.
Clinical neurosciences networks were championed in the National Service Framework for Long Term Conditions and SCNs represent a crucial opportunity to realise this aspiration under the new health and social care arrangements.
An SCN for neurology has been one of the principle calls of the Neurological Alliance’s ‘Better deal for neurology’ campaign since its launch in January 2012.
Better value for money
Arlene Wilkie, chief executive of the Alliance, commented: ‘With neurological spending having risen by 174% between 2005 and 2010-11 without delivering corresponding improvements in neurological outcomes, an SCN for neurology would provide a vehicle through which to both reverse this worrying trend and drive forward service improvements, delivering better outcomes and better value for money.’
You can read the full report here (opens in new window).
