NHS faces neurology crisis, warns Neurological Alliance

17 January 2012

A crisis is looming for neurological services and urgent action should be taken as the number of people with neurological conditions is set to rise, according to a campaigning group.

The Neurological Alliance, which represents 70 charities including the Brain and Spine Foundation, will give evidence to MPs this week on the Commons Public Accounts Committee, following a National Audit Office report which found that neurological services are not as good as they ought to be.

The report, which was published in December 2011, stated that while health spending on neurological services has increased since 2005, significant problems with the current services remain, including poor information and advice to patients and carers, fragmented and poorly co-ordinated ongoing care, and access to services for people with neurological conditions and their carers varying significantly depending on where they live.

Figures from Parkinson's UK suggest that with an ageing population, the number of people with Parkinson's disease will increase by 28% by 2020. The number of people with motor neurone disease is set to increase by 27%.

Government must do more


Steve Ford, chair of the Neurological Alliance and chief executive of Parkinson's UK, said: "A crisis is looming but the government has its head in the sand. When it comes to helping vulnerable people with a neurological condition, the government is floundering around in a fog of its own making.

"It is time the Department of Health sorted out this mess. It's not about spending more money: it's about getting good value and quality services."

Paul Burstow, Liberal Democrat Minister for Care Services, said: "We know that care for people with neurological conditions is not good enough and we must do more.

"It is clear that too many people are not getting personalised support to suit their needs."

Taking action


Following the National Audit Office report, the Neurological Alliance is urging people to email their MP asking them "don't neglect neurology".

Read more: It's time for a better deal for neurology

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