Mark Jackson

ALT Photo of a red briefcase, open, filled with stories, letters and notes from older people, disabled people and unpaid carers. A sign next to it reads 'Chancellor, don't forget the real figures that matter in social care.'

ALT Text: Our statement on the budget.

ALT Today’s budget included confirmation of 250 new Neighbourhood Health Centres, welcome progress on the government’s priority to shift high-quality care closer to home – including for people living with long-term neurological conditions such as MS and epilepsy. However, despite topline NHS funding increasing following the spending review and last year’s budget, people affected by neurological conditions are still waiting too long for vital care and support.

ALT The latest NHS waiting times data shows only 57% of neurology patients and 60% of neurosurgery patients are currently being seen within the 18-week target — far below the government’s ambitions of 65% by March 2026 and 92% by the end of this Parliament. Neurological conditions affect at least one in six across the country. The neuro community cannot continue to be left waiting and we’ll continue to call on the government to act now for the one in six.

ALT To deliver the timely, high-quality care people with neurological conditions deserve, we’re calling on the government to: Establish a Modern Service Framework for neurological conditions Protect and strengthen neurological clinical leadership, including a named neuro lead in every ICB and continuation of National Clinical Directors for neuroscience specialities Commit to long-term workforce planning in the forthcoming NHS 10 year workforce plan to build a neuro workforce fit for the future.