Question reference: S6W-08467
- Asked by: Rhoda Grant, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 10 May 2022
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Current status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 17 May 2022
Question
To ask the Scottish Government how it is ensuring that the pyramid of support, as outlined in its neurological care and support framework, is effectively implemented for MS patients throughout the Western Isles, in light of reports that such patients often require complex tailored packages of care and support, which may rely on treatment that is unavailable in that area.
Answer
The Board is ensuring the pyramid of support for patients with MS by working in partnership with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Neurology Service who provide a specialist neurology service through a Service Level Agreement. The NHS Western Isles Neurology Team has weekly discussions with their NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde colleagues to discuss the Team’s caseload.
NHS Western Isles is also working to meet Commitment 9 in the Neurological care and support: framework for action 2020-2025, namely testing innovative ways of delivering health and social care, including new roles and new arrangements for co-ordinating care and support for people with neurological conditions such as MS.
The Board also aims to recruit to an Advanced Clinical Nurse Specialist – Neurology role who will work with the current Parkinson’s specialist nurse to support people with neurological conditions including MS that require specialist support, ensuring equity of care.