Neurology framework published
Multiple sclerosis, resulting from demyelination, as shown here,
is among the conditions covered by the new NSF |
The National Service Framework for Long-term
Conditions, focusing on neurological conditions, was published by the Department of Health last week.
Central to the NSF is the requirement to implement a person-centred service
in which patients with long-term neurological conditions will have a
single point of access to services via a named contact and will be able
to refer themselves quickly back to services as their needs change.
“Pharmacists who run specialist clinics, for instance those working
with epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease patients,
could be the named contact and so the first point of call for patients,” Claire
Reed, neurosciences pharmacist at Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham,
said.
In the NSF, Health Secretary John Reid explains that the focus on neurological
conditions “highlights and sets in clear context issues which are
also relevant to the millions of people living with other long-term conditions”.
The NSF has 11 quality requirements which the NHS and social services
will have to provide within 10 years, including early recognition, prompt
diagnosis and treatment, early and specialist rehabilitation and community
rehabilitation and support.
“Since drug therapy is a major form of treatment for many of these
conditions, pharmacists have a substantial role in optimising and individualising
therapy,” Charles Tugwell, clinical pharmacist for neurology and
neurosurgery at Barts and The London NHS Trust, said. “This new
NSF refers to the need for closer links between GPs, local hospitals
and specialist neuroscience service provision. Pharmacists’ involvement
and subsequent contribution to patient care is most likely to result
from actively participating in the planning of services rather than waiting
to be asked,” he added. |
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