Helpful Links

In the United Kingdom over fifteen million people (25%) live with a long term condition. Long-term Conditions are those conditions that cannot, at present, be cured, but can be managed. These comprise many neurological disorders. This document outlines the vision of best integrated, holistic management”
www.dh.gov.uk/en/Healthcare/Longtermconditions/index.htm

The National Service Framework for these Long-Term Conditions sets out an action plan for the next decade on how best possible care should be delivered. It provides detailed evidence of best practices and arrives at eleven key quality requirements of an ideal service.
www.longtermconditions.csip.org.uk/

Long term conditions are generally more common in the Scottish population as well as amongst the elderly and the deprived. Both stroke and Multiple Sclerosis are more prevalent in Scotland than in England. Also as the average age of Scotland’s population is increasing age related  Long Term Condition are becoming more frequent thus placing increasing demands on medical and social services. This document provides our own Scottish perspective,
www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/nationalframework

The Long Term Conditions Alliance Scotland (LTCAS) brings together the many voluntary and community organisations across the country and provides a national voice to maintain high profile and address the needs of those affected
www.ltcas.org.uk/

Better Health Better Care is an important action plan that sets out the Scottish Government's proposals to sustain and enhance the populations’ health. Especially so amongst disadvantaged communities were poorer health is more frequent. Amongst many recommendations rapid and appropriate access to healthcare for all is emphasised.
www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2007/12/11103453

The UK Neurological Alliance comprises neurological charities joining forces increase the profile and enhance the quality of life of all those with a neurological condition. The website lists all member charities along with their contact details.
www.neural.org.uk/

“Getting the best from neurological services” a popular guide was updated in 2006. It provides an overview of available UK services for people with neurological conditions. It is intended as a “signpost” to resources including patient support groups and is “hosted” on the UK Neurological Alliance website
www.neural.org.uk/pages/online_ordering/GettingtheBestfromNeurologicalServices.

The Neurological Alliance of Scotland is an offshoot of the UK Alliance comprising a membership of over 30 Charities. Launched in 2004 by the then Scottish Minister of Health it serves the functions of increasing the profile of neurological disease, participating in promoting and lobbying for improved services for those affected.
www.scottishneurological.org.uk

Headway is a charity which aims to provide information, support and services to those people who have experienced a brain injury, their families and their carers. They also aim to promote an understanding of all aspects of brain injury. They have a number of regional centres. To find your nearest headway centre and to learn more about this charity and its services you can visit the following website address:
http://www.headway.org.uk

Revive MS Support is a charity which provides help to anyone who has been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Support is provided to those with Multiple Sclerosis from the initial stage of diagnosis onwards. The aim of the help provided is to maintain and improve the quality of the lives of those affected by Multiple Sclerosis and to enable them to live life to the full. You can find out more about the services this charity provides and contact details by visiting the following website:
http://www.revivemssupport.org.uk