HEALTH campaigners have warned tens of thousands of Scots face a postcode lottery of care following a report into neurological services in Scotland.
The Health Improvement Scotland (HIS) study shows health boards are failing to meet required standards of care for people suffering from conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease and Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
Just three out of 14 NHS boards were able to prove they provide quick and effective care for MND sufferers – including access to specialists – while others failed to demonstrate effective "care pathways" for those with the condition.
The review also showed that just four boards had appropriate measures in place for administering drugs to Parkinson's sufferers, with many relying on patients or carers notifying staff of their medication needs. Half of the health boards also failed to ensure that staff with appropriate epilepsy training carried out reviews of patients suffering from the disease.
NHS Lanarkshire and NHS Highland were the worst performers, failing to meet the required standards in 13 out of 16 performance indicators, while NHS Dumfries and Galloway was the best, achieving good practice in 13 areas.
The Neurological Alliance of Scotland said that despite some improvement over the past two years, many people living with neurological conditions are still unable to access the support they need.
Craig Stockton, chairman of the alliance, said: "The alliance is committed to ensuring health boards keep their focus firmly on neurological services and that the work of the past two years is built upon and not just forgotten about."
It is estimated about one million people in Scotland are living with a neurological illness and such conditions account for about one in 10 GP consultations and 10% of emergency admissions to hospital.
The report, Neurological Health Services in Scotland, marks the end of a two-year programme aimed at helping NHS boards to meet national standards.
HIS claimed progress has been made in improving partnership working between the NHS, patients and voluntary organisations and the establishment of neurological service networks.
However, it said more improvement was required and should include better care for MND sufferers, increasing epilepsy and headache training and ensuring Parkinson's medication is better regulated.
Robbie Pearson, HIS director of scrutiny and assurance, said: "As our population grows older, the number of people living with long-term neurological conditions will increase.
"HIS has provided evidence, support and scrutiny to help NHS boards, patients and voluntary organisations to work together on improving neurological services."
The Scottish Government plans to set up a national neurology services advisory group to ensure NHS boards improve standards of care.
A spokesman said: "We are committed to ensuring people with neurological conditions get the care and support they need."
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