The Scottish Government has today published its new Framework for Action for Neurological Care and Support in Scotland.
Supported by £4.5 million of funding, the plan aims to ensure people get access to personalised care and support regardless of their particular condition or where in Scotland they live.
The publication of the Framework, which spans the period 2020-2025, follows the public consultation on the ‘draft national action plan on neurological conditions’, which concluded in February 2019.
The plan was developed by the Scottish Government in partnership with the National Advisory Committee for Neurological Conditions (NACNC), third sector organisations, health professionals and the neurological community.
The Framework focuses on adults (16 years and older). It 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.
Stephanie Fraser, CEO of Bobath Scotland, who is speaking at the launch of the Framework today in her role as Chair of NACNC, welcomed the report. She said:
“I am delighted that Scotland now has its own Framework for Action for neurological conditions and I hope this will have a positive lasting impact on the neurological community.
“We welcome the collaborative approach to develop this Framework and recognise that the publication’s ambitions will need a continued collective approach with the Scottish Government, NHS, Local Authorities, third sector and people living with neurological conditions.
“As part of my role as Chair of The National Advisory Committee for Neurological Conditions I look forward to providing advice to the Scottish Government around the implementation of the commitments and aims in the Framework to help improve the lives of those in the neurological community.”
The Framework has also been welcomed by the Neurological Alliance of Scotland, the umbrella body of organisations and groups representing people living with or affected by a neurological condition.
Commenting on the Framework, Rebecca Duff, Chair of the Neurological Alliance said:
“We believe that today’s plan is an ambitious and promising first step to transforming the experience of people with neurological conditions in Scotland and the unpaid carers who support them. We want the plan to meet its potential, and look forward to playing our part as a key partner in its implementation. We will be keen to make sure that the implementation programme receives the investment it needs to deliver renewed collaboration across sectors and make real, lasting changes for those living with neurological conditions in Scotland.”