The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has provided a significant update following a petition signed by over 16,000 individuals advocating for improved care and dignity. The petition focuses on enhancing appointments and GP training related to functional neurological disorder (FND), a condition affecting how the brain processes information.
Acknowledging FND as a complex condition, the Government highlighted the need to enhance services for individuals living with FND. Emphasizing the priority of improving care for those with long-term conditions, the DHSC detailed ongoing efforts to achieve this goal.
Describing FND as a condition with diverse neurological symptoms and no clear cause, the Government expressed the challenges in diagnosis and treatment due to the wide array of symptoms. Recognizing the necessity to enhance access to services for individuals with conditions like FND, the Government reaffirmed its commitment to providing high-quality care and support with access to the latest treatments.
Unlike many other neurological disorders that affect the brain’s structure, FND alters how the brain network functions, significantly impacting daily life. Symptoms may include seizure-like episodes, movement issues, speech difficulties, and pain, as outlined by the National Institutes of Health.
At a national level, the DHSC outlined various initiatives aimed at improving services and care for patients with neurological conditions such as FND. These initiatives include programs like Getting It Right First Time for Neurology and the Neurology Transformation Programme to ensure equitable service delivery across England.
Additionally, the DHSC highlighted the guidance developed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) concerning rehabilitation for chronic neurological disorders. This guidance emphasizes a holistic approach, individual needs, and promoting independence through various therapies and support services.
The DHSC also announced the publication of a new service specification by NHS England for specialized neurology services, focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of individuals with neurological conditions, including FND.
Despite these efforts, the DHSC clarified that maintaining training standards for healthcare professionals falls under independent statutory regulatory bodies’ responsibility. Emphasizing the importance of ongoing professional development, the DHSC mentioned the Royal College of General Practitioners’ learning course on FND for GPs.
The petition titled ‘Fund better Functional Neurological Disorder care, treatment and support’ has garnered over 16,000 signatures, with the potential for a parliamentary debate if it reaches 100,000 signatures. For more information, the full petition and response can be accessed through the provided link.