Neurological conditions: the case for a modern service framework
Our new report calls for the government to develop a modern service framework for neurological conditions.
At least 1 in 6 people in England live with a neurological condition. That includes people with MS, epilepsy, Parkinson's, MND and hundreds more. Neurological conditions are the leading cause of disability in the world and cost the UK economy £96 billion a year.
This is not a niche issue. Yet there is no dedicated, long-term NHS reform plan to address it.
The system isn't working
The NHS is not meeting the needs of people with neurological conditions. That's not the fault of staff, who are working hard within a system under serious strain.
But the evidence is clear:
- People wait up to a year for a first neurology appointment
- The care you receive still depends too much on where you live
- The workforce cannot meet demand
And when community support isn’t there, people end up in A and E. Not because their condition suddenly deteriorated, but because the earlier help that would have kept them well simply did not exist.
These aren’t isolated failures. They're the result of a system without a long-term plan.
There is a tool to fix this
The government has committed to developing modern service frameworks for major conditions. These are decade-long NHS reform plans built around national standards and clear accountability. They are how government drives sustained, systemic change rather than short-term fixes.
Neurological conditions were not included in the first wave. This report, produced jointly with The Neurological Alliance and endorsed by over 30 organisations, makes the case for why they must be next.
A clear and measurable ambition
Every modern service framework is anchored by a bold goal. For neurological conditions, ours is a 30% reduction in avoidable emergency admissions by 2035.
Emergency admissions are where the failures of the system are most visible and most costly. Too many are preventable. With earlier intervention, better care coordination and stronger community support, people can be kept well rather than reaching crisis point. Our 30% goal is ambitious. It's also achievable, if the right reforms are made.
The coalition is ready
Clinical leaders, professional bodies, charities and people with lived experience are united behind this call. We're ready to co-produce and deliver this framework with government.
What is missing is political commitment. We're calling on the government to act.
You may also be interested in
