Retirement News : Seniors : Cautious Welcome for Long-Term Care Guidance

Cautious Welcome for Long-Term Care Guidance

Date Added: 11-03-2005

New Government guidelines on the care and treatment of millions of people with long-term neurological conditions have today received a cautious welcome from the charity sector.

The new National Service Framework (NSF) for Long Term Conditions, published today by Community Minister Stephen Ladyman, will ensure those with conditions such as multiple sclerosis and epilepsy will be diagnosed more quickly, receive more rapid treatment and get a comprehensive package of care.

However, despite welcoming the in-depth report, charities representing those with long-term health conditions have expressed concerns about the implementation of the far-reaching recommendations.

Under the proposals those affected by long-term neurological conditions can expect a comprehensive assessment and regular reviews, a single point of access to care via a named contact, the option to self-refer, improved access to a broader range of services and increased support.

Although the proposals focus on neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s Disease and motor neurone disease, the guidance also applies to anyone living with other long-term conditions, such as arthritis or asthma.
proximately 10 million people across the UK – equivalent to one in six – suffer from a neurological condition and the new guidance is aimed at being implemented by 2015.

Responding to the new guidance, Judith Kidd, chief executive of the Neurological Alliance, said: “We welcome the NSF. This is the best chance for a generation to improve the way people with neurological conditions are treated.

“Because the baseline for health and social care for people with neurological conditions is low, implementation will have to take place over a 10-year time frame.

“The challenge now is to keep up the pressure and ensure that there is the money, the resources, and the will to carry this forward.”

Scope chief executive, Mr Tony Manwaring, said: “Scope welcomes the principles outlined in the NSF for long term conditions as part of a broader structure which will empower disabled people to live independently in the community as reflected by Scope’s “Time To Get Equal” Campaign, aimed at tackling disablism – prejudice against disabled people.

“However, we continue to express our regret that this is not backed by ring-fenced funding and have concerns about housing and social care working together in an adequately resourced framework.”

The Neurological Alliance is a charity consisting of more than 60 national and regional charities working together to secure improved services for those living with neurological conditions.

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