There are significant variations in the quality of neurological services commissioned across the country claims a report.
Published by the Neurological Alliance, The Invisible Patient:Revealing the states of neurologyfound that only 14.7% of CCGs have assessed the local cost associated to the provision of neurology services,20.4% have assessed the number of people using
There are significant variations in the quality of neurological services commissioned across the country claims a report.
Published by the Neurological Alliance, The Invisible Patient:Revealing the states of neurologyfound that only 14.7% of CCGs have assessed the local cost associated to the provision of neurology services,20.4% have assessed the number of people using
neurological services and 26.2% have assessed the prevalence of neurological conditions within their area. Only 33% of CCGs obtain vital feedback from patients in regards to the neurological services they commission.
The research comes from Freedom of Information (FOI) audits of every UK CCG and a survey of 7,000 patients across the country.
Commenting on the study, the Neurological Alliance’s Chief Executive, Arlene Wilkie, said: “This report must be seen as a wake-up call. For far too long, people living with neurological conditions have been ‘invisible patients’, ignored and let down by an unresponsive health and care system. Commissioners are failing to carry out vital tasks for neurology, from need and prevalence assessments to ensuring patient engagement and feedback. As a result, there is no strategic approach to improving pathways and outcomes for people with neurological conditions, and their care is suffering.
“This must change. At a time when NHS England is planning to expand CCGs’ commissioning responsibilities for neurology, it has never been more important for local commissioners to actively improve their engagement with and understanding of neurological conditions. We need urgent action now, so that the millions of people with neurological conditions receive the care they need and deserve.”
