New report: Alliance urges action to ensure the NHS can deliver a rapidly expanding pipeline of neurological treatments

19/03/2026

The Neurological Alliance has published a new briefing calling on government and NHS leaders to strengthen neurology services so the health system is ready to deliver new and emerging treatments.

The report, Future-proofing neurology services: what emerging treatments mean for people, services and policy in England, highlights rapid advances in neuroscience that are beginning to deliver therapies capable of slowing disease progression and improving quality of life for people affected by neurological conditions.

Crucially, strengthening the system to deliver these advances would benefit everyone affected by neurological conditions, improving recognition, speeding up diagnosis, strengthening care pathways and ensuring fair access to treatment as new therapies emerge, now and in the future.

But the Alliance warns that without Government action to strengthen the systems and structures needed to deliver these treatments – diagnostics, workforce capacity and care pathways – many people will struggle to benefit from these advances.

Pipeline of neurological innovation gathers pace

Neurological conditions affect at least one in six people in England and are a leading cause of disability. They affect people across the life course, from children born with neurological conditions to adults who develop conditions later in life.

At the same time, the treatment pipeline is expanding rapidly. New therapies are being developed for conditions including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis and a range of rare neurological and genetic conditions.

Innovation is also advancing in neurosurgery, neurorehabilitation and assistive technologies. Developments in robotics, neurostimulation and digital diagnostics are changing how neurological conditions are treated, how people recover following illness or injury, and how long-term conditions are managed.

Together, these developments could have the potential to slow disease progression, preserve independence and support people to remain active in education, employment and family life.

Innovation could help people live well for longer and ease pressure on services

Many emerging neurological treatments are most effective when delivered early, placing greater importance on timely diagnosis and access to specialist care.

For children and young people, advances in genetic testing and targeted therapies are already improving diagnosis and supporting better developmental and educational outcomes. For adults with progressive conditions, new treatments offer the potential to slow progression and maintain independence for longer.

Advances in rehabilitation, including robotics and technology-enabled therapies, are also improving recovery and long-term management following neurological illness or injury.

System barriers risk slowing progress

However, these opportunities come at a time when neurology services are already under significant strain. As of January 2026, only 57% of neurology patients and 60% of neurosurgery patients are currently treated within 18 weeks, well below national targets. Workforce shortages and rising demand mean many people are waiting too long for specialist care.

The report also notes that while some areas of neurological research are advancing rapidly, investment and evidence generation have not kept pace across all conditions. Sustained research funding and stronger links between research, clinical services and patient communities will be essential to drive further breakthroughs.

Turning scientific breakthroughs into better care

The Neurological Alliance is calling for urgent national action to ensure the NHS is ready to deliver emerging neurological treatments and address long-standing delays in care.

This includes the development of a Modern Service Framework for neurological conditions to set clear national expectations for workforce, care pathways and access.

The Alliance also highlights the need to strengthen multidisciplinary teams, improve access to diagnostics and treatment, and embed earlier, more proactive care across the life course. Better data, clearer accountability and robust appraisal and adoption pathways for new treatments will be essential to ensure innovation can be delivered safely, equitably and at scale.

Georgina Carr, Chief Executive of The Neurological Alliance, said:

“We are entering a period of extraordinary progress in neuroscience, where conditions that were once considered untreatable are beginning to become treatable.

If we get this right, the impact could be profound. Children could benefit from earlier diagnosis and treatment that supports development and education, while adults could maintain independence for longer and remain active in their communities.

But this isn’t only about the conditions where new treatments are emerging today. Building a system that is ready for innovation will improve care for everyone affected by neurological conditions.

This requires clear national leadership and direction. The Government should commit to a Modern Service Framework for neurological conditions, setting out the workforce, pathways and standards needed to ensure people can access the right care at the right time. With the right action now, England has the opportunity to lead the world in turning neurological innovation into real improvements in people’s lives.”

Read the full report and our recommendations here.