UK Neuro Forum will focus on services and support for neuro conditions
28 November 2024: Andrew Gwynne MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department of Health and Social Care, has announced today that a new UK Neuro Forum will be set up to find ways to improve care and support for people affected by neurological conditions.
The UK Neuro Forum will hold formal, biannual meetings across the Department for Health and Social Care, NHS England, devolved governments and Neurological Alliances of all four UK nations. Plans for the first forum meeting in early 2025 are in place, with a further meeting in the summer and ongoing bi-annual meetings in future.
The announcement follows a long-standing campaign led by The Neurological Alliance together with The Neurological Alliance of Scotland, Wales Neurological Alliance and the Northern Ireland Neurological Charities Alliance and supported by over 100 organisations and more than 19,000 people.
It will aim to address unwarranted variation in access to care across the country, and drive person-centred care.
Andrew Gwynne, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, said:
“I am proud to welcome the launch of the UK Neuro Forum. This long overdue forum will help address common concerns and challenges experienced by people affected by neurological conditions, which are too often overlooked. This initiative will unite governments, clinical leaders and campaigners to tackle shared challenges and drive UK-wide collaboration to improve gaps in treatment and care of people with conditions that impact the nervous system.”
“I am delighted we are announcing the launch of the UK Neuro Forum. Neurological conditions are the leading cause of disability worldwide and affect over 16 million people in the UK. This initiative brings together key stakeholders from across the UK for the first time, and aims to share learning to ensure patients receive the equitable care and treatment they need, with the goal of improving lives. This collaboration will bolster the ongoing work we are delivering through NHS England’s Neurology Transformation Programme.”
Dr Niran Nirmalananthan, National Clinical Director for Neurology, NHS England
