The NHS Western Isles Neurology Team have recently been engaging with Neuro Hebrides to keep people with Neurological conditions and their families and carers updated about the Neurological service. The NHS Planning Team are also working to update the Neurological Framework and have come to Neuro Hebrides to consult with patients on developing the future of the Framework.
One of the biggest questions is who do I call when I need help?
To contact the Neurology team if you need support with your condition, or have any questions, they are available to contact between 08:30 and 16:30.
call 01851 763301 or email wi.neurology@nhs.scot
Remember, If it is an emergency call 999, or if you need guidance but it is out of hours or non life threatening, call 111, or if your query is not related to your neurological condition, contact your GP.
It is important to note that although the main conditions covered by the Neurology nurses are Epilepsy, MS and Parkinsons; patients affected by any Neurological condition can contact the Neuro team and they will help you to get the help and care you need. This may be through organising an appointment from a neurology nurse, consultant or linking patients to AHPs (Allied Health Professionals) such as dietitians, physios, mental health services, podiatrists, social care etc. The goal is to create a team around each patient to ensure you are empowered to be able to take control of your own care in a way that is best for you.
The Neurological Service in the Western Isles has been going through a period of change, and this combined with vacant positions of key staff posts and the upheaval and disruption to service caused by the Covid Pandemic, had affected the service provision for patients in the Western Isles.
Moving forward, Patients should start to see an improvement in service provision. The Neurology service recently successfully recruited 2 full time Neurology nurses. They are trained as Neurology nurses and continue to carry out training to continue to gain knowledge and experience of Neurological conditions.
Neurology care provision is guided by the Neurological Framework, which is currently being developed to ensure it meets the needs of Neurology Patients in Scotland. There are 17 commitments in the Framework. You can read about the 17 Commitments and the Neurological Framework here: Annex A Summary of Aims and Commitments - Neurological care and support: framework for action 2020-2025 - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
While the team are working on the Framework, It is really important for the teams at the NHS to hear about Neurological patients experiences and hear what is important to them moving forward.
It would be really helpful if you can have a look at the key commitments and think what are the 3 most important things to you. Think what would really make a difference in your care and what would mean the most to you.
You can email those 3 most important things to you to either n.heb@outlook.com or wi.neurology@nhs.scot
There is also a form you can complete if you prefer, please contact N.heb@outlook.com if you would like a copy.
Neuro Hebrides is always here for Neurology patients to provide support to Neurological patients and their carers. If you have any queries or support, please get in touch and we will do everything we can to help.