£350,000 funding for neurological research and treatment welcomed

The BPS has welcomed £350,000 allocated by government to support neurological research and treatment.

At Prime Minister's Questions (12^th March), Sir Keir Starmer confirmed that £350,000 would be allocated to 'research on interventions which support people with functional neurological disorders to rehabilitate them within the community'.

The funding announcement was made in response to a question from Andy McDonald MP, who raised the issue of the lack of rehabilitation beds in the Middlesborough's James Cook University Hospital neurosciences department. Currently there are 18 beds, whereas guidance recommends that 80 beds are needed to meet patient needs.

Around 1.3m people in the UK currently live with neurological conditions that require care. 

The impact of insufficient resources are:

• Additional costs to the national healthcare bill, as early intervention can decrease costs for extensive community care, with estimated savings of £5 billion*
• Extensive waiting lists for treatment and patients not being referred for treatment quickly enough after an initial GP consultation**
• Patients admitted into hospital are cared for in beds which could otherwise be freed up and those who are discharged into community care

Speaking on behalf of the BPS Division of Neuropsychology, Dr Najma Khan-Bourne said:

"We were pleased to see the urgent issue of the lack of resources in neurological research departments raised by Andy McDonald MP at Prime Minister's Questions. While the instance raised is one example, many neurological departments across England are facing similar issues. Lack of resources, equipment and staff in neurological wards mean patients with potentially life-changing conditions, such as strokes and spinal injuries, aren't given the care they desperately need. 

"The £350,000 committed by the government is welcome and comes after tireless work from the Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist, Dr Jenna Moffitt, in collaboration with colleagues and patients across the North East and North Cumbria ICB area. Through chairing and leading on leading on regional workstreams involving 150 clinicians, services users, members of local Integrated Care Board and commissioning groups, she and her colleagues collated figures which laid out the stark reality of the lack of resources for neurological rehabilitation at James Cook University Hospital. The Division of Neuropsychology thanks Jenna and her colleagues for the effort she has put in to giving this issue the voice it deserves.

"Those with neuropsychological conditions often face a postcode lottery for services and can then face being misdirected to appropriate services. This can be incredibly challenging and upsetting for patients, and we hope this funding from the government is a step in the right direction for giving patients the service and support they deserve."  

Please visit our website to find out more about the BPS Division of Neuropsychology.

* Neuro-rehab bed numbers must triple in the UK, report warns – Neuro Rehab Times

** The value of action: mitigating the impact of neurological disorders in the United Kingdom – King's College London