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Neurological Alliance: is localism working for people with neurological conditions?


A new Neurological Alliance survey report shows low levels of public engagement with local health structures such as Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) and Health and Wellbeing Boards (HWBs). Patient and public voice is a key driver of service improvement in the NHS. However, the survey of charity staff, volunteers, people affected by neurological conditions and their carers finds that the majority of people feel that local influencing has become more difficult since the creation of new local health and care structures in 2012-13.

The survey found that:

  • 47% of people feel that local influencing has become more challenging since the changes to the health and social care system came into force, while 9% feel it has become easier.
  • 59% of campaigners have no engagement with CCGs, while 63% have no engagement with HWBs.

The report makes a range of recommendations to improve engagement with the reformed health and care system. Among other recommendations, the report: 

  • calls on NHS England to develop support, tools and resources to make the localism agenda work for people affected by neurological conditions.
  • calls on Public Health England to continue to develop the data available on neurological conditions, services and outcomes through the Neurology Intelligence Network and ensure this is linked to the activities of the Neurosciences Specialised Commissioning Clinical Reference Group and Strategic Clinical Networks.
  • calls on local commissioners to appoint a neurological conditions lead and conduct a neurological Joint Strategic Needs Assessment.
  • calls on neurological charities to sign a pledge for working pan-neurologically at the local level.

Read and download the full report here