Specialist Neurological Nursing Posts

That the Parliament is concerned by the reported decision of NHS Western Isles to remove the posts of Epilepsy and MS specialist nurse; understands that concerns have been expressed about the long-term future of the Parkinson’s specialist nurse post; notes reports that the NHS board intends to replace these posts with a more generalist advanced neurology nursing post; further notes reports that the NHS board proposes to increase the scope of the nursing post to cover more neurological conditions; considers that this would represent a real terms cut to the service with fewer nursing hours dedicated to supporting more people; notes the view that in a cost of living crisis it is imperative to ensure patients have access to as much care and treatment locally as possible; recognises that there is no on-island neurologists or specialist support and that people with neurological conditions have to travel to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde for face-to-face appointments; understands that NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde does not intend to increase its support to the islands in the wake of this reported cut to specialist nursing provision; recognises what it sees as the importance of the specialist nursing posts in this context and based on the testimony from people living with epilepsy, MS and Parkinson’s on the Islands; understands that this decision was reportedly taken without any consultation with local neurological communities or the national charities that initially helped to fund the posts; further understands that local and national groups have expressed concern that such a cut to specialist nursing provision has the potential to put the safety of those in the local community affected by neurological conditions in jeopardy, and notes the calls from local groups, including Neuro Hebrides, Parkinson’s Western Isles and national stakeholders, including Epilepsy Scotland, MS Society Scotland and Parkinson’s UK Scotland, for NHS Western Isles to work collaboratively with them and people affected by neurological conditions in the Western Isles to deliver a comprehensive service that meets the needs of all stakeholders.