UK Government launches first-ever forum to address gaps in treatment and care for people affected by neurological conditions, following #BackThe1in6 campaign.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department of Health and Social Care Andrew Gwynne MP has today announced a new “UK Neuro Forum” will be set up to improve treatment, care and support for people with neurological conditions.
1 in 6 people in the UK have a neurological condition. Neurological conditions, such as Huntington's disease affect millions more including friends and family. A neurological condition is any condition that impacts the brain, spinal cord or nervous system. This landmark initiative unites clinical leaders, organisations, and people with lived experience of neurological conditions to tackle shared challenges. Shaped by those it serves, the forum will tackle shared challenges and drive real progress in areas where UK-wide collaboration is most impactful.
The announcement follows a long-standing campaign led by The Neurological Alliance together with The Neurological Alliance of Scotland, Wales Neurological Alliance and the Northern Ireland Neurological Charities Alliance and supported by over 100 organisations and more than 19,000 people. Huntington's Disease Association is proud to be a member of The Neurological Alliance and to have backed the campaign. The #BackThe1in6 campaign called on UK Governments to establish a Neuro Taskforce to address key challenges facing people affected by neurological conditions including delays to treatment and care, a lack of mental health and wellbeing support and insufficient information at the point of diagnosis. The campaign was underpinned by the experiences of over 8,500 people who responded to My Neuro Survey 2022. My Neuro Survey is the largest neurological patient experience survey in the UK.
The forum will meet twice a year, with the first meeting expected before the end of February 2025. The forum is proof that when we work together, we can achieve real change.
Thank you.