Question reference: S4W-07134
- Asked by: Paul Wheelhouse, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 10 May 2012
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Current status: Answered by Nicola Sturgeon on 21 May 2012
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it will take to shorten the diagnosis time for Dystonia, which, according to the Dystonia Society, can take up to four years.
Answer
We want to ensure that everyone living with a neurological condition, including dystonia, are diagnosed as quickly as possible so they can receive access to care and support they need, when they need it.
Healthcare Improvement Scotland has developed clinical standards for neurological health services, including generic standards which are applicable to people living with dystonia. Implementation of the standards dealing with the early part of the patient journey, including access to specialist neurological services, will help to ensure people with dystonia receive a timely diagnosis.
We have provided NHS boards with funding of around £1.2 million over the last two years to assist them in developing local improvement groups as the main vehicles for implementing the standards and driving further improvements within neurological services across Scotland.
The Scottish Government is also actively consulting with the Scottish population on a draft UK plan on rare diseases to help understand how the healthcare needs of people living with rare conditions can be met. The consultation can be accessed via the following link:
http://www.dh.gov.uk/health/2012/02/consultation-rare-diseases/.