Published date: 16 Dec 2011 at 11:22AM
image: National Audit Office logo Despite a £0.8billion increase in spending for neurological services from 2006-2010, there’s no record of how this money has benefited patients, a National Audit Office report published today, Friday 16 December, has found.
We’ve joined forces with (External) Parkinson’s UK , (External) Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA), and the (External) Neurological Alliance to urge the Government to create a targeted and properly resourced national outcomes strategy for neurological conditions. This would help to-
While the report found there have been some improvements in neurology services there are still significant problems including-
The report also exposed that billions of pounds have been wasted by the Department of Health through people with neurological conditions, including MS, being unnecessarily admitted to hospital.
Simon Gillespie, Chief Executive of the MS Society comments:
“Every time a person is admitted to A&E because of their MS, the health and social care system has failed. When people with MS are properly supported in managing their condition, there should be no reason for unplanned admissions, which cost both patients and the NHS dearly.
“MS specialist nurses play a critical role in providing this support and coordinating care, but with one MS nurse to every 454 people, these posts are sadly rare and many are at threat due to short-sighted budget cuts.”
We will be giving evidence to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Wednesday 18 January. Look on our campaigns’ pages for further details and to find out how you can attend the session.
“Every time a person is admitted to A&E because of their MS, the health and social care system has failed. When people with MS are properly supported in managing their condition, there should be no reason for unplanned admissions, which cost both patients and the NHS dearly." Simon Gillespie, Chief Executive of the MS Society
Multiple Sclerosis Society. Registered charity nos 1139257 / SC041990. Registered as a limited company in England and Wales 07451571
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