NCS audit of local neurology services
In November 2011 NCS ran a Quality Neurology audit of services in West Berkshire. We consulted commissioners, clinicians, service planners and people affected by a neurological condition – who are at the heart of all NCS projects.
Over twenty professionals joined together to work through our series of ‘quality requirements’, which assess how far services meet the National Service Framework for long-term neurological conditions. The group included neurology consultants, specialist nurses and local authority representatives.
We also ran three focus groups for people with neurological conditions and their family carers. Twenty local people attended, who were living with conditions like acquired brain injury, ataxia, epilepsy, motor neurone disease, MS and Parkinson’s.
What this has meant for the PCT
The NCS audit and an examination of the PCT’s hospital emergency admissions data have given NHS Berkshire West a clear picture of their neurology services and how they compare to national standards. We also recommended changes and improvements that would help better meet the QIPP agenda and make pathways more responsive to patients’ needs.
The commissioners in Berkshire West are now looking at how they can address specific recommendations from the audit. They are developing a local service directory for patients and exploring whole-system ways of reducing emergency admissions for common comorbidities like falls and infections.
Are you a commissioner? Want to achieve QIPP in neurology commissioning? Why not consider our Quality Neurology tool for your own local area. Contact us to arrange an initial conversation about how we can help.
