NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly is supporting the work of two groups in undertaking an audit and evaluation of current health and social care services needed by people with any of the 20 neurological conditions supported within the area.

The review will be led by CAN-DO, a countywide neurological alliance representing people with neurological conditions, to ensure it is entirely centred on, and driven by, people living with a neurological condition and their family carers.

The work will be supported by Neurological Commissioning Support (NCS), a unique commissioning support initiative from the MS Society, the MND Association and Parkinson's UK, established to support health and social care commissioners to deliver cost-effective, patient-centred services.

The audit will consult widely with health and social care professionals through facilitated discussions. It will also meet with and listen to those living with the conditions via a range of face-to-face focus groups held across all areas of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, as well as through virtual groups formed on social networking sites. There will also be opportunities for one-to-one discussions, or to contribute through questionnaires.

The work will be officially launched on 15 November at an event for service users and their carers, health and social care professionals and NHS healthcare commissioners.

The event, at Epiphany House, Copeland Court, Kenwyn Church Road, Truro, will introduce the work and will offer an opportunity for those living with a neurological condition to share their priorities for service change or development.

Anyone with a personal experience of a neurological condition, or who work with or care for those who do, are welcome to attend.
Alan Drake, Head of Commissioning for Long-term Neurological Conditions with NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, said: “We are delighted to be able to support this initiative and look forward to working with both organisations over the next 6 months.”
John Hurr, representative of CAN-DO, said: “CAN-DO has come a long way in the 2 years when it was first identified that a patient/carer led support group for neurological conditions was needed in Cornwall.
“The role of the patient/carer user group is now recognised as important in the delivery of health care and welfare. CAN-DO, working in partnership with NCS and the NHS is determined to ensure the needs and concerns of people living with neurological conditions are recognised.”
Sue Thomas, head of Neurological Commissioning Support, added: “This is an unprecedented opportunity for patients and carers in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to shape the way local neurology services are delivered in the future.
“It will provide the Primary Care Trust with invaluable commissioning support from those receiving services and the expertise of a unique commissioning support partnership from the third sector which Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has hailed as an example of just what PCTs should be doing.”
Anyone wishing to attend the event, from 10.45am till 2pm, should call
Charlie Peel on 0208 438 0715, or email charlie.peel@csupport.org.uk|