Neurological conditions: the case for a Modern Service Framework

Everyone living with a neurological condition should be able to live life to the fullest. But the NHS and social care are not meeting their needs.

Together with the MS Society and more than 30 leading patient organisations and professional bodies, we’re calling on the government to deliver real change.

Where you live too often determines the care you receive. Waits of up to a year for a first appointment. A workforce that cannot meet demand. People ending up in A&E because the support that would have kept them well simply does not exist. This is the reality for too many people living with neurological conditions. 

The result is avoidable deterioration, poor experiences and rising emergency admissions that place further strain on the NHS. The Government has a tool to fix this: a Modern Service Framework for neurological conditions.

We’re calling on the government to deliver a Modern Service Framework for neurological conditions

Modern Service Frameworks are decade-long NHS reform plans, built around national standards and clear accountability, that have already been committed to for other conditions. They are how the Government drives sustained, systemic change. They are not a short-term fix but a long-term commitment.

The cost of doing nothing

At least 1 in 6 people in England have a neurological condition. Neurological conditions are the leading cause of disability globally and cost the UK economy £96 billion a year. This is not a niche issue, yet there is no dedicated long-term improvement plan for neurological health and care services in England.

That’s why we’re calling on the government to deliver a Modern Service Framework for neurological conditions and drive real change for millions of people.

A once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform neuro care

Our report, developed with the MS Society and supported by organisations from across the sector, makes the case for a dedicated Modern Service Framework for neurological conditions and the actions necessary to deliver. 

Without it, there is a real risk that people affected by neurological conditions are left behind. Read our case for change or use the button below.

 What we’re calling for

The report proposes a clear, system-wide ambition – the “moonshot” ambition for the Modern Service Framework for neurological conditions: Reduce avoidable emergency admissions for neurological conditions by 30% within 10 years.

Delivering on this ambition is underpinned by five pillars for change:

1. Right people: a sustainable, multidisciplinary workforce, working at the top of their skills, with care coordination as a universal standard.
2. Right care: equitable, needs-based care that integrates physical, mental and social support, not limited by diagnosis or postcode.
3. Right time: earlier intervention, proactive monitoring and rapid access to specialist advice to prevent deterioration.
4. Right place: a shift from hospital-centred care to integrated, community and neighbourhood models, backed by specialist networks.
5. Right systems: robust data, digital infrastructure and accountability to drive improvement and reduce variation.

 Read  the report, Neurological Conditions: The case for a Modern Service Framework, in full here.

Supporting organisations

We have bought together a powerful coalition of organisations from across the neuro sector in support of a Modern Service Framework for neurological conditions. We’re calling on the government to join us and act for the one in six: