Neurological care and support: framework for action 2020-2025

Annex C Glossary

Augmentative and Alternative Communication

AAC is a term to describe various methods of communication to get around problems with ordinary speech. These may be simple letter or picture boards or sophisticated computer-based systems. AAC helps someone to communicate as effectively as possible, in as many situations as possible.

A Local Information System for Scotland

A service to help you find help and support close to you when you need it most. ALISS can help you find foodbanks, local and national services, provide financial advice, mental health and homelessness support.

Convention of Scottish Local Authorities

CoSLA provide political leadership on national issues, and work with councils to improve local services and strengthen local democracy.

Functional Neurological Disorder(s) (FND)

Medical conditions in which there is a problem with the functioning of the nervous system and how the brain and body sends and/or receives signals. FND can encompass a wide variety of neurological symptoms, such as limb weakness or seizures.

Getting it Right for Every Child

Supports families by making sure children and young people can receive the right help, at the right time, from the right people. The aim is to help them to grow up feeling loved, safe and respected so that they can realise their full potential.

Healthcare Improvement Scotland

Provides assurance to the people of Scotland about the quality of care within a health setting. Its functions include the delivery of improvement support, quality assurance (through inspections and reviews), supporting the engagement of people and communities, and the provision of evidence including advice, standards and guidelines.

Information Services Division

Division of National Services Scotland, part of NHS Scotland. ISD provides health information, health intelligence, statistical services and advice that support the NHS in progressing quality improvement in health and care and facilitates robust planning and decision making.

National Advisory Committee for Neurological Conditions

Committee that is supporting the development of Scotland’s first National Action Plan on Neurological Conditions. A project team has been established to take this project forward.

Neurological Alliance of Scotland

An umbrella body of organisations that represent people with a neurological condition and those who support them.

Primary Care

Refers to the services provided by health professionals in either clinics and practices, or sometimes in patients’ homes. Primary care is normally the first point of contact with the NHS. Within primary care there are four practitioner services: Medical i.e. General Practitioners (GPs) - Dental - Pharmaceutical and - Optical. People may encounter a wide range of different professions within their GP practice or health centre including nurses, physiotherapists, podiatrists.

Scottish Burden of Disease

NHS ISD publishes information on the prevalence of health conditions that is known nationally and internationally as the Burden of Disease.

Secondary Care

Mainly hospital-based health care provision (often referred to as ‘acute care’). Services range from emergency care (via Accident & Emergency) to non-emergency treatment, usually through outpatient departments or elective treatment.

Tertiary Care

The provision of specialist services for people with an existing disease, which requires higher levels of expertise and support services. Tertiary care services are usually provided in a limited number of locations around the country and some services are so specialised that they may only be provided on a national basis e.g. liver transplantation. There are also some services, which are commissioned from the other parts of the UK on behalf of all health boards, for example, paediatric heart transplants (National Services Division, 2016).

World Health Organisation

Primary role is to direct and coordinate international health within the United Nations system. Main areas of work are health systems; health through the life-course; non-communicable and communicable diseases; preparedness, surveillance and response; and corporate services.