The Neurological Alliance of Scotland represents neurological charities on a range of groups and projects.
Some of the most important projects that are happening at the moment are:
National Advisory Committee on Neurological Conditions (NACNC)
This is the Scottish Government’s advisory group on neurological policies. It includes NHS and social care professionals and managers, third sector professionals, people with neurological conditions and carers. The chair and vice chair represent the Alliance on the NACNC. Keith Park (NAoS Chair) and Vicki Cahill (NAoS Vice Chair) represent NAoS on this committee.
Visit the National Advisory Committee’s webpage.
The UK Neuro Forum
The UK Neuro Forum informs policy to help ensure that people in the UK with neurological conditions can access the right services and support. The Forum was established after successful campaigning by the Neurological Alliances of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It aims to find ways to improve care and support for people affected by neurological conditions, and acts as an advisory body for Government. The Forum holds formal, biannual meetings across the Department for Health and Social Care, NHS England, devolved governments and Neurological Alliances of all four UK nations. This is the first UK-wide government forum focusing on services and support for people affected by neurological conditions. Keith Park (NAoS Chair) represents NAoS on this Forum.
Visit the UK Neuro Forum’s website here.
The Neurological Conditions Improvement Network
The Neurological Alliance of Scotland helps to facilitate third sector involvement in the Scottish Government’s Neurological Conditions Improvement Network. The Network is aimed at individuals who work in, manage and/or have an interest in improvement in neurology or neurological rehabilitation services from the NHS, Health and Social Care Partnerships, local authorities and third sector across Scotland. This includes clinical and non-clinical managers to support their teams and to approve/help to drive forward improvements. Alice Struthers represents NAoS in the network.
Service Improvement Forum
The Service Improvement Forum is a subgroup of the National Advisory Committee on Neurological Conditions which focuses on how to improve services in neurology including NHS waiting times and workforce issues. David Mulligan and Alice Struthers sit on the group on behalf of NAoS.
Managed Service Network (MSN) on Neurosurgery
This body provides the strategic leadership and co-ordinates activities across the four adult and two child neurosurgery units in Scotland to form a single neurosurgery service for Scotland. Tanith Muller sits on the Neurosurgery MSNC on behalf of NAoS.
Centre for Sutainable Delivery Neurology Speciality Delivery Group
The Neurological Alliance of Scotland sits on the Centre for Sustainable Delivery’s Neurology Specialty Delivery Group (SDG). This group includes nominated representation from all NHS Boards providing Neurology Services in Scotland. Boards are asked to nominate representatives to cover Clinical Leadership (e.g. a Consultant), Management, Nursing and Allied Health Professions.The group has strong links with the National Advisory Committee for Neurological Conditions and includes third sector representation. Alice Struthers represents NAoS on this group.
Neurology - Centre for Sustainable Delivery
Women’s Health Plan Lived Experience Group
The Neurological Alliance of Scotland is part of the Lived Experience Group for the Scottish Government’s Women’s Health Plan. Hosted by the ALLIANCE, this group provides opportunity for members to share their experience to influence chance, stay updated on progress of the WHP, and learn about current priorities and innovation in women’s health in Scotland. Alice Struthers represents NAoS on this group.
Learning Disability Autism and Neurodiversity Bill Stakeholder Group
The Neurological Alliance of Scotland has representation in the LDAN Bill Stakeholder group to inform the development of the new legislation. Find out more about the proposed bill here. Alice Struthers and Hester Lee represent NAoS on this group.
SANON - Scottish Adult Oncology Network
The Neurological Alliance of Scotland has representation on the The Scottish Adult Neuro-Oncology Network. This network is one of the five National Managed Clinical Networks for Cancer in Scotland. It was officially launched in November 2006 with the primary aim to ensure equity of care for all patients with Adult Neuro-Oncology in Scotland. The group audits the quality of care provided to improve the quality of life for all patients. Carol Cohrane represents NAoS on this group.
NHS A&A Neurology Service Improvement Group
Stakeholder group for NHS professionals and third sector representatives working in Ayrshire & Arran to create a three year improvement plan for neurology in NHS Ayrshire and Arran. Avril McClean attends this group on behalf of NAoS.
ALLIANCE’s Digital Citizens Panel
The Digital Citizen Panel (DCP) was created in partnership with the Scottish Government in 2021. It aims to empower citizens to better manage their health and wellbeing with digital options. The DCP is involved in a diverse programme of engagement activity supported by the Digital Network Officer (DNO). Nicky Cowsill sits on the panel on behalf of NAoS.
ALLIANCE- Digital Citizen Panel.
SCVO Intermediaries Network
Intermediaries are voluntary sector organisations whose members are primarily other voluntary sector organisations that share a common interest or purpose. Their main role is to support and represent these members. Intermediaries are also called umbrella bodies, membership bodies or network bodies. The Network meets regularly to discuss issues of shared interest, such as evaluating and increasing impact, networking, representing members, developing shared policy and campaigns. Alice Struthers attends the network on behalf of NAoS.
