The Scottish Government have developed the first Neurological Action Plan. This is a significant step forward in improving how people with neurological conditions are cared for.
Also, after consulting people with neurological conditions, clinicians and third sector organisations, the Government came up with five aims and seventeen commitments.
Furthermore, the Scottish Government’s vision for the plan is to ensure that everyone with a neurological condition will be able to access the care and support they need to live well, on their own terms.
The plan is now closed for consultation and is due to be released in summer/autumn 2019.
The government aims to:
- Ensure people with neurological conditions and their carers are partners in their care and support
- Improve the provision of co-ordinated health and social care and support for people with neurological conditions
- Ensure high standards of effective, person-centred, and safe care and support
- Improve equitable and timely access to care and support across Scotland
- Build a sustainable neurological workforce fit for the future
This involves committing to:
- Exploring the potential of applying Huntington’s Care Framework to neurological care more widely
- Considering having open access clinics for people with suspected new epilepsy / first seizure patients. For instance, these would accept referrals from patients themselves, emergency departments and GPs
- Investigating new ways of working in communities
- Workforce planning for neurological staff
In conclusion, we are excited by these ambitions and think it is a positive step forward to improving neurological care in Scotland.
However, we do recognise that this type of plan will require clear outcomes, with monitoring and auditing to ensure that the plan fully meets the needs of people with epilepsy.
Therefore, we will continue to work with government to safeguard the aims of this plan and make sure that people with epilepsy are provided for.
