Neurology
There are an estimated 14.7 million cases of neurological disorder in the UK, with one in six people living with a neurological condition.
Conditions impact on all levels of the nervous system – from the brain to nerve and muscle – and there are more 600 conditions. These can be broadly categorised into sudden-onset conditions (such as meningitis); intermittent and unpredictable conditions (such as epilepsy); progressive conditions (such as Parkinson’s disease), and stable conditions with changing need (such as spina bifida).
Neurology care is largely outpatient-based, with 1.3m patients seen in outpatients in 2018/19.
In the context of high demand, the GIRFT report looks to address known variation in equity of access, aiming to ensure access to dedicated/specialist neurological services wherever a patient lives.
- Neurology Clinical Lead
Dr Geraint Fuller
Neurology Clinical Lead
Dr Fuller has worked as a consultant neurologist in Gloucester since 1994. He has an interest in general neurology and neurological education.
He has been Chair of the Specialty Advisory Committee for neurology that oversees neurological training in the UK, and was president of the Association of British Neurologists from 2013 to 2015.
Useful information
- GIRFT neurology methodology and initial summary of regional data
The document describes the methodology used for the GIRFT regional presentations and the way services are provided to patients with neurological disorders across England. It also highlights some of the key findings from regional analysis. - Accompanying workbook to GIRFT neurology methodology (spreadsheet)
Background information upon which the methodology is based.
- Summary of National Report Findings
GIRFT national report aims to improve access to both inpatient and outpatient neurology services
The new national report for neurology from the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme focuses on improving access to care for patients with neurological disorders across England and ensuring services are available close to patients’ homes where feasible.
The GIRFT report highlights differences in how services are delivered and offers an unprecedented opportunity to share successful initiatives between trusts to improve patient services nationally.
Some of the historical mechanisms for funding and resourcing neurology services have contributed to these imbalances in neurology services and the introduction of integrated care boards (ICBs) will provide an opportunity to realign the neurology services to match the needs of their populations.
Find out more about GIRFT’s data-led approach and best practice resources:
- Neurology National Report
In September 2021, GIRFT published its national speciality report for Neurology:
Click above to view the pdf report
Watch the video about the Neurology report…
Click above to play the Neurology national report video
- Neurology News