Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) – the national improvement organisation that works with local communities and individuals receiving or providing care to improve health and social care across Scotland – has published revised general standards for neurological care, which have been developed to take account of the priorities and principles of the Scottish Government’s national neurological action plan.

An estimated one million adults in Scotland live with a neurological condition that has a significant impact on their lives.

The chair of the Neurological Alliance of Scotland, Gerard Gahagan, said:

“These standards provide a foundation for improving how people with neurological conditions experience their care and support. With leadership, governance and evaluation of the standards there is an opportunity to reduce variation and inequality of health and social care services in Scotland.

“I welcome the focus on an individual’s experience of what it is like to live with a neurological condition, the recognition of families and carers and the commitment to partnership working, particularly with third sector organisations such as the Neurological Alliance of Scotland.”

The standards set out what care people can expect to experience throughout Scotland, regardless of the type of neurological condition they have, their geographical location, care setting or personal circumstances and aim to ensure individuals have appropriate access ‘to the best possible care’.

Tracey Baird, a consultant neurologist at NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, added: 

“A timely and appropriate referral to a clinician with expertise in neurological conditions is essential. Many people require specialist input from a range of services, and unfortunately some conditions can progress and become life-limiting.

“The general standards for neurological care and support are a welcome improvement to inform a person’s care and in helping professionals to provide the best possible information, advice and on-going support on managing conditions.”

From motor neurone disease, migraine and epilepsy to acquired brain injuries, neurological conditions can vary widely and are a significant cause of morbidity in Scotland.

Sara Twaddle, director of evidence, Healthcare Improvement Scotland, commented:

“Our team travelled all over Scotland during our consultation period to listen to the experiences of people living with neurological conditions, and their families and carers.

“We visited community and support groups, and liaised with health and social care professionals and charities who offer vital support and advice.”

The Scottish Health Council gathered views from people living with a neurological conditions from across Scotland’s 14 territorial NHS boards and compiled a report that was made available this month.

Ms Twaddle added: “We had an overwhelming response to the consultation, and as a result, the standards reflect a range of voices and different experiences of those who deliver and use neurological services.

“We are delighted that the consultation process has enabled people to help shape what high quality care means to them.”

 

The standards can be accessed here.