Neurology services work together to improve care

Teams from across the North East and North Cumbria are working together to improve care for people with brain, nerve and muscle conditions.

The work is led by the NENC Neurology Collaborative. The group brings together staff from different NHS organisations. They share ideas, solve problems and look for ways to make care better for patients.

The group has already made good progress. Waiting times have fallen in some services. Three of the four main providers now have one point of access for referrals. This makes it easier for patients to get to the right service and helps staff manage referrals more quickly.

The group has also helped create new medical posts that are shared across organisations. This allows teams to work more closely together and helps build a stronger workforce.

New neighbourhood health models are also being developed. These models aim to bring care closer to where people live. They will help services work together and make it easier for patients to get support.

The group has agreed consistent referral guidance. This helps make sure that referrals are managed in the same way across the region. It also helps patients get the care they need as quickly as possible.

The next stage of work will focus on headache and epilepsy services. The group will also work more closely with neighbourhood health teams. Another area of focus is Functional Neurological Disorder, often called FND. Work will continue to look at ways to improve support for people with this condition.

Alongside this work, neurophysiology teams are joining forces to help strengthen services for the future. Neurophysiology services carry out tests that help doctors find and treat a range of conditions linked to the brain, nerves and muscles.

These services are provided by Newcastle Hospitals, South Tyneside and Sunderland, North Cumbria Integrated Care and North Tees and Hartlepool. Some services are small and face staffing challenges. Some also need new equipment to help meet future demand.

With support from the NENC Provider Collaborative, teams are now working together on shared goals. This includes plans to support training for doctors and healthcare scientists. Teams are also looking at ways to share learning and skills across the region.

By working together, services can become stronger and more reliable. This will help support staff, improve care and make sure patients can continue to access high-quality services in the years ahead.

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