Sector-wide support for a Modern Service Framework for neurological conditions

19/05/2026

Nearly 40 organisations from across the neurological community have endorsed a new report from The Neurological Alliance and the MS Society calling on the Government to deliver a dedicated Modern Service Framework (MSF) for neurological conditions.

A major opportunity for neurological care reform

The report, Neurological Conditions: The Case for a Modern Service Framework, argues that the Government’s 10-Year Health Plan presents a major opportunity to transform neurological care in England.  

The report calls for a 30% reduction in emergency admissions for people affected by neurological conditions in the next ten years and sets out five key pillars by which this can be achieved.

The Government has already committed to Modern Service Frameworks for some health conditions. The first wave includes cardiovascular disease, dementia and frailty, and sepsis but most neurological conditions were not included, despite long waits, growing pressure on services and significant variation in access to care and support.

An end to crisis-driven responses

Neurological conditions affect 1 in 6 people.  They are the leading cause of disability globally.

People affected by neurological conditions are facing waits of up to a year for a first appointment, significant unwarranted postcode variation in care, and reliance on emergency services because preventative support is unavailable. The report warns that without significant change services will remain fragmented, under-resourced and too often crisis-driven.

A Modern Service Framework for neurological conditions is a vital tool in addressing these problems.

What is a Modern Service Framework?

Modern Service Frameworks are long-term NHS reform plans designed to improve care through clear national standards, accountability and evidence-based models of care.

A long-term plan for change

The report argues that a Modern Service Framework represents an opportunity for a dedicated long-term improvement plan for health and care services in England, something that people affected by neurological conditions do not currently have, despite the scale and impact of these conditions.

All  Modern Service Frameworks require a “moonshot” ambition. At the heart of the proposed MSF is a “moonshot” ambition to reduce avoidable emergency admissions for neurological conditions by 30% within 10 years. The report describes emergency admissions as one of the clearest and most costly signs of a system intervening too late, despite many admissions being preventable with the right support in place.

The report sets out a blueprint for reform focused on improving access to timely care, strengthening the neurological workforce, embedding care coordination, supporting neighbourhood-based models of care and improving digital infrastructure and accountability across the system.

Strong support from across the neurological community

The growing number of endorsements reflects strong cross-sector backing from charities, clinicians, professional bodies and people affected by neurological conditions for a dedicated national framework to improve care and reduce unwarranted variation.

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

“Neurological conditions affect millions of people, yet too many people still face long waits, fragmented care and avoidable crises. The support this report has received from across the neurological community reflects the strength of feeling that change is needed.

“Modern Service Frameworks are how the Government intends to deliver sustained, systemic change across the NHS. The neurological community is ready to help deliver this, but what is needed now is political commitment and delivery.”

Next steps

The Neurological Alliance and the MS Society will continue working with charities, clinicians, professional bodies, policymakers and people affected by neurological conditions to build support for a dedicated Modern Service Framework.

This includes engagement with Government, the National Quality Board (which decides which MSFs are prioritised), NHS England and parliamentarians, to make the case for an MSF.

This is alongside work to demonstrate how neurological conditions align with wider NHS priorities around prevention, neighbourhood health, reducing pressure on urgent and emergency care, and improving access to care closer to home.