Cornwall & Scilly

In 2010 and 2011 NCS audited and improved neurological services across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

We brought new initiatives to the area that are making a real difference to people with long-term neurological conditions like Parkinson’s, MS, motor neurone disease, Huntington’s, acquired brain injury and epilepsy.

All this was done in partnership with Regional Neurological Alliance CAN-DO, Cornwall and The Isles of Scilly PCT and Cornwall Social Services.

Results and impact

1. Neurology Awareness Day We held two very successful events at the Eden Project on 20 October 2011 to educate and raise awareness about neurology and the services available for local people. One event was for health and social care professionals, and the other for people living with a neurological condition and their carers.

The events were at capacity, and so well received that CAN-DO will run a further event in spring 2012.

2. Brand-new Neurology Services Directory So people can receive appropriate information and advice, we’ve co-produced (with our partners) a comprehensive information booklet listing local services across the county.

3. Two neurological care advisors have been appointed to provide support and advice for people who do not have anybody ‘case managing’ their condition, and a neurology phone line now signposts people to sources of support.

4. A Dying Matters event was held to raise awareness of advanced decision-making in preparation for the end of life.

5. Telehealth options are being explored to improve access to services across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly:

• Over 150 people with MS took part in a pilot of the NeuroResponse system, which has convincing results. Patient satisfaction rates (across all pilot sites) rose sharply from 49% to 93%. People using the scheme no longer have to make unnecessary and costly visits to GP surgeries or hospital.
• A scheme is being developed for Parkinson’s using a system called Whole System Demonstrator.

6. A service for people with Huntington’s disease has been jointly commissioned between NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, NHS Devon and NHS Plymouth at Millaton Court in Launceston, supporting people across both counties.

7. A ‘Get it on time’ Parkinson’s audit is taking place to educate hospital professionals on the importance of getting Parkinson’s medication on time, so they can reduce the problems people with Parkinson’s experience in this area.

8. Analysis of epilepsy patient data, particularly around expensive emergency admissions to hospital, is being completed to help reduce unnecessary admissions and improve self-management.

9. A neurology hub on the Isles of Scilly is being set up. Because of the geographical location of the Isles of Scilly, this will be a valuable resource for those living there with a neurological condition. This will be launched very soon.

10. More targeted exercise is now provided via the RENEW exercise programme, which has started a new programme of sessions across the county. These are tailored to support people with a neurological condition no matter what their level of ability.

Project legacy

We are in the process of handing lead responsibility for the work that is still happening to CAN-DO, the area’s Regional Neurological Alliance.

Our next step is to approach local CCGs to take forward the epilepsy work (see point 8 above) and some of the other areas alongside CAN-DO.

More detail

Read a detailed account of our Cornwall and Isles of Scilly project.