NHS Orkney will receive £50,127 from the Scottish Government to develop a resource that will support people with neurological conditions in the islands.

The funding will be used to “develop an interlinked electronic resource on neurological conditions and services signposting to resources held by NHS Orkney, NHS Inform and Voluntary Action Orkney; develop pathways clarifying local support and best practice for neuro conditions; provide Anticipatory Care Planning education.”This is the second round of funding.

In the first round £12,452 was used to “scope services that provide care, support, information and advice to those affected by neurological conditions in Orkney to identify strengths, duplication, and gaps.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines neurological conditions as follows (2016):

Neurological disorders are diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system. In other words, the brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, peripheral nerves, nerve roots, autonomic nervous system, neuromuscular junction, and muscles. These disorders include epilepsy, Alzheimer disease and other dementias, cerebrovascular diseases including stroke, migraine and other headache disorders, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, neuroinfections, brain tumours, traumatic disorders of the nervous system due to head trauma, and neurological disorders as a result of malnutrition. Many bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections can affect the nervous system .

There are over one million people in Scotland with a neurological condition.

NHS Orkney is one of 16 projects across Scotland to benefit from the additional funding to enhance services for those with neurological conditions. Some of the organisations are national ones.

Commenting on the funding Scottish Government Public Health Minister Mairi Gougeon said: 

“Around one million people in Scotland live with a neurological condition and the Neurological Framework provides a clear vision for those affected to be able to access the care and support they need to live well, on their own terms.

“The latest round of funding builds on this programme of work by supporting those responsible for providing care and support to people affected. These innovative projects seek to ensure seamless access to high quality and co-ordinated health, social care and third sector support in the right place at the right time.

“Despite the challenges COVID-19 has brought this past year, implementing the commitments of the Neurological Framework remains a priority and the grants awarded will further strengthen this vital work.”

The Neurological Framework is a 5 year plan to improve and develop care and support.

You can find the list of those being funded here: Funding Recipients