Improving support for neurological conditions

A five-year action plan to support people with a neurological condition has been published by Public Health Minister Joe FitzPatrick.

The action plan will ensure people get access to personalised care and support regardless of their particular condition or where in Scotland they live. It has been developed with the neurological community and will be supported by £4.5 million of funding.

The plan also aims to build a sustainable neurological workforce to deliver high standards of care in a timely manner.

Speaking at the Scottish Epilepsy Centre, Mr FitzPatrick said:

“Around one million people in Scotland live with a neurological condition ranging from common conditions such as migraines to life-limiting illnesses such as Motor Neurone Disease.

“We recognise the scale, variety and context of neurological conditions and how distressing they can be for the person with the condition and their family. There are a number of challenges these can present the health and social care system and much has been achieved and is being done to address this, particularly through the integration of health and social care. 

“This new plan will build on what is working well, while supporting those responsible for providing care and support, and those planning services to tackle the challenges.”

Alice Harper, Chief Executive of Quarriers said:

“The William Quarrier Scottish Epilepsy Centre welcomes the framework as it will help people affected by epilepsy get the right support at the right time, and receive the quality support they deserve.

"We share the values of the National Action Plan in promoting person-centred health and social care in local communities as well as specialist resources like the William Quarrier Scottish Epilepsy Centre which focus on people living a life where their condition does not define them." 

Background

Neurological Care and Support in Scotland: A Framework for Action 2020-2025. A consultation on the draft National Action Plan ran from November 2018 to February 2019.

The Framework contains five overarching aims and 17 commitments to support improvements that span health and social care. 

The five aims are to:

• ensure people 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;
• ensure equitable and timely access to care and support across Scotland; and
• build a sustainable neurological workforce for the future.

This is a five-year plan which will run until 2025 supported by £4.5 million.