National Advisory Committee for Neurological Conditions minutes: May 2023

Attendees and apologies

• Stephanie Fraser (Chair) (SF), Cerebral Palsy Scotland
• Susan Walker (Deputy Chair) (SW), NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
• Dr Jenny Preston (Deputy Chair) (JP), NHS Ayrshire and Arran
• Dr David Breen, (DB), Consultant Neurologist, NHS Lothian
• Dr Callum Duncan (CD), Consultant Neurologist, NHS Grampian
• Dr Maggie Whyte (MW), Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist, NHS Grampian
• Wendy Forrest (WF), Clackmannanshire and Stirling Health and Social Care Partnership
• Stephanie McNairney (SM), National Centre for Sustainable Delivery, NHS Golden Jubilee
• Judith Newton (JN), National MND Nurse Consultant - University of Edinburgh (covering all boards)
• Tanith Muller (TM), Neurological Alliance of Scotland (NAoS)/Parkinson’s UK Scotland
• Morna Simpkins (MS), NAoS/MS Society Scotland
• Gail Smith (GS), National Chief Officer Group
• Will Wood (WW). SG: Unit Head, Clinical Priorities
• Richard Brewster (RB), Scottish Government (SG), Clinical Priorities Policy, Framework Delivery
• Anissa Tonberg (AT), SG, Clinical Priorities Policy, Neurological Conditions
• Euan Bailey (EB), SG, Clinical Priorities Policy, Neurological Conditions (Minutes)

Apologies

• Diane Fraser (DF), Social Work Scotland
• Gerard Gahagan (GG), SG, Clinical Priorities Policy, Neurological Conditions

Items and actions

Prior to the meeting opening, the Minister for Public Health and Women's Health, Jenni Minto MSP, informally met the members to introduce herself, to offer her vision for neurological condition care and support in Scotland, and to listen to the views of members.

Welcome, introductions and apologies

SF welcomed the committee.

The apologies were noted from the above.

Minutes and matters arising from last meeting

The committee confirmed that the minutes reflected an accurate record of the previous meeting in February.

SF updated on feedback she had following individual meetings she had held with members of the committee, since the last meeting in February. Feedback received included the following:

• a need for the committee to feel a more cohesive unit
• a desire for more political direction of the work of committee from Scottish ministers, so that we can understand their priorities and advise how best these can be achieved in the neurological context
• a desire that, as an “Advisory Committee” the members’ advice is listened to and that the Committee’s work is two way, with Scottish Government to bring items for discussion to the committee, in seeking advice, and that the committee highlights items requiring attention to Scottish Government brought from members’ relevant communities

Review of Framework progress - 2022-2023

The committee was asked to feedback any comments from paper 2, 'Framework Progress Report for 2022-2023'. No comments were received.

2023-2024 Delivery Plan

The committee was asked to feedback any comments from paper 3, '2023-2024 Delivery Plan'. No comments were received.

In relation to the Digital Strategy, CD had received an email to say that the video conferencing facility for patient consultations is being phased out. It is currently unclear if there is an alternative system. This will impact on the ability to undertake some clinical assessments remotely. There is a need to ensure there is no impact on service provision.

TM also raised concerns that about the impact this would have on the neurological community.

CD agreed to look in to this further and report back to the committee on the findings.

Action 1: CD to request further information on video conferencing proposals and report back to the committee. RB offered support, if required.

Overview and conclusions from Framework Priority Setting

RB referred to paper four, 'Overview and conclusions from Framework Priority Setting'.

There were two main points for the committee to consider: to confirm the employment and scope of the network coordinator posts; and to reach an agreement on the allocation of the remaining Framework funding for 2023-24.

In terms of employing the network coordinator posts, following a review of its current staffing headcount, Scottish Government has confirmed that these will not be supported as inward secondment, therefore an alternative host organisation will need to be found.

A discussion took place regarding alternative options and sectors in employing the posts directly.

The committee agreed that it is vital that vacancies are filled and work can commence as soon as possible and that comprehensive job descriptions should completed in the first instance. Agreement on the direct employer of the posts can be reached following work on this.

There was a suggestion of using current job descriptions, of similar NHS banding, as a basis for these posts. GS offered support with this, if required.

RB has been working on a draft job description and agreed to circulate this to the committee for further comments.

Action 2: RB to circulate a draft network coordinator job description to the committee for comment

The committee also felt that the creation of a sub-group, made up of members with knowledge and experience in recruitment, would be useful in setting the scope and confirming job descriptions for the roles. RB agreed to coordinate this.

Action 3: RB to form a recruitment sub-group to look at network coordinator roles

In regard to the allocation of the remaining Framework funding for 2023-2024, the group were asked to comment on the proposals set out in paper four.

The group agreed to take forward proposals to invite bids that complement the regional coordinators in developing networks that will support successful approaches to delivering services.

RB agreed to draft conclusions and circulate this to the group.

Action 4: RB to send around draft conclusions on the allocation of remaining funding for 2023-24.

Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) self-evaluation framework – priority standards 

The committee members were asked to discuss and agree which of the 2019 General Standards for Neurological Care and Support we should advise health and social care organisations to prioritise and complete during 2023-2024. These were highlighted for information in paper 5, 'HIS Self-Evaluation Framework – priority Standards'. It was noted that the standards were not mandatory and that these would be submitted to the Scottish Government in order to obtain a national overview of strengths and areas for improvement across Scotland in meeting the standards.

It was agreed that the following standards would be prioritised: standard 1 - leadership and governance; standard 2 - working together and standard 7 – person centred care.

Action 5: RB to send out communications to organisations highlighting the work on Standards, and advising the priority of Standards 1, 2 and 7 during this year.

Any other competent business

There was a review of the actions to be taken forward.

It was highlighted that the next meeting, due to take place on 24 August 2023, was to take place in person. A venue and any revised timings would be confirmed in due course.

Review of action points

• to request further information on video conferencing proposals and report back findings to the Committee. (Callum Duncan)
• to circulate a draft network coordinator job description to the Committee for comment. (Richard Brewster) - complete
• to form a recruitment sub-group to look at network coordinator roles. (Richard Brewster) - to update
• to send around draft conclusions on the allocation of remaining funding for 2023-2024. (Richard Brewster) - complete
• to send out communications to organisations highlighting the work on Standards, and advising the priority of Standards 1, 2 and 7 during this year. (Richard Brewster) - complete

Date of next meeting: 1100-1300, 24 August 2023.