The Scottish Government's first ever Framework for Action to improve care and support for people with neurological conditions like Parkinson’s
New funding to help those battling degenerative conditions has been welcomed.
Parkinson’s UK Scotland has welcomed the launch of the Scottish Government's first ever Framework for Action to improve care and support for people with neurological conditions like Parkinson’s, and the announcement of an investment of £4.5m over five years to deliver change.
A new five-year plan aimed at improving care for those suffering from neurological conditions was unveiled this week.
The Scottish Government has pledged £4.5 million over the period for the programme, with Public Health Minister Joe Fitzpatrick saying this would "build on what is working well".
An estimated one million Scots are living with neurological conditions, which can range from migraines to life-limiting illnesses such as motor neurone disease.
Annie Macleod, director of Parkinson’s UK Scotland, said: “There are about 12,500 people with Parkinson's in Scotland, and we know that they will welcome this recognition that services for people with Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions are a priority for improvement. Neurological conditions are often complex and hard to live with for individuals and everyone close to them. Too many people feel that they are "left to get on with it" without the information, support and public understanding that would improve their quality of life. This plan is a positive first step in a journey to better care and support, and we are looking forward to seeing how much of a change will be made over the next five years.
“We hope that the £4.5m that the Minister has pledged today is ‘new’ money and will be invested in making a meaningful difference for people with neurological conditions. Parkinson’s UK Scotland looks forward to working with the Scottish Government to ensure the needs of people with Parkinson’s are reflected in the implementation of the new plan.”
FitzPatrick launched the new plan during a visit to the William Quarrier Scottish Epilepsy Centre in Glasgow .
He said: "Around one million people in Scotland live with a neurological condition ranging from common conditions such as migraines to life-limiting illnesses such as motor neurone disease.
"We recognise the scale, variety and context of neurological conditions and how distressing they can be for the person with the condition and their family.
"There are a number of challenges these can present the health and social care system and much has been achieved and is being done to address this, particularly through the integration of health and social care.
"This new plan will build on what is working well, while supporting those responsible for providing care and support, and those planning services to tackle the challenges."
Quarriers chief executive Alice Harper said: "The William Quarrier Scottish Epilepsy Centre welcomes the framework as it will help people affected by epilepsy get the right support at the right time, and receive the quality support they deserve.
"We share the values of the national action plan in promoting person-centred health and social care in local communities as well as specialist resources like the William Quarrier Scottish Epilepsy Centre, which focus on people living a life where their condition does not define them."
