Helping neurology networks to be a success
The Neurological Alliance has today launched a new report [bit.ly/16xvdyy] which sets out our recommended blueprint for the strategic clinical network (SCN) for neurological conditions.
Following the announcement last year that neurology would be included in the first wave of NHS England’s SCNs [neural.org.uk/updates/206-C...], the Neurological Alliance has been working with its members, patients, clinicians and those involved in setting up SCNs, to determine what the priorities for the SCN should be.
The Alliance’s new report, Navigating neurology services: helping strategic clinical networks to be a success story [bit.ly/16xvdyy], brings together the views of the neurological community on the challenges ahead and what the SCN’s immediate priorities should be. It highlights eight priority areas that we believe the SCN should be focusing on when setting its objectives and starting to implement them over the coming months.
In particular, we think the SCN should:
• Gather data and intelligence on neurological conditions so commissioners can identify the problem areas and understand how they need to tackle them
• Involve and empower patients and carers in developing helpful tools and resources that can be used by people with neurological conditions and those who care for them
• Support integration between the different services and organisations that people with neurological conditions come into contact with
We do not underestimate the challenge faced by the SCN in improving neurological services, which have historically lacked the same clinical and political prioritisation that has been given to other condition areas. We are, however, optimistic about the SCN’s ability to succeed in delivering the type of turnaround programme that is needed for neurological services.
Arlene Wilkie, Chief Executive of the Neurological Alliance said:
“Having a neurology-focused SCN is a real step forward for the neurological community and an opportunity that we need to grasp with both hands. The SCN has a limited lifespan in which to deliver long-term and meaningful changes and it is therefore vital that this opportunity is capitalised upon from the outset. We are committed to working closely with the SCN and providing any support we can to ensure that it is a success.”
Dr David Bateman, National Clinical Director for Neurological Conditions, said:
“Neurology is at last on the map! The SCN is a unique opportunity to bring together the expertise of health providers, commissioners and management to redesign neurological care in the interests of patients and the NHS.
“I am very much looking forward to working with those involved in setting up SCNs, together with patients and clinicians, to make them a success. It is only by working together that we will be able to tackle the big challenges currently facing neurological services and really make a difference to the patients and families affected by these conditions.”
