Hansard

I am very grateful for the opportunity to participate in the debate. I pay tribute to Bruce Crawford and congratulate him on securing it.

Mr Crawford’s motion asks that the Parliament

“recognises the devastating impact that neurological conditions can have on the lives of many people affected by these and their families”.

It must be very harrowing for people to find themselves in that position, supported by their family. That statement in the motion is extremely poignant, and a huge push for recognition is needed. I have been looking at diseases of a similar nature, and I look forward to putting forward my report on and proposal for a member’s bill on brain tumour and the disability that that can cause people to suffer.

During my research into neurological care, it has become clear that Sue Ryder is unquestionably a beacon and a force to be reckoned with. I had great pleasure in attending a recent parliamentary event that gave us the opportunity to find out more about what is taking place.

However, I have been disappointed at health boards’ continually slow reactions to individuals who have neurological conditions. The situation is quite tragic, and the plans that are put in place are vital. We have already heard in the debate that health and social care integration is still causing some concerns.

Sue Ryder wants everyone with a neurological condition in Scotland to receive incredible care—we would all want to see that happen. Yet, in reality, we have found that the care provided across Scotland can be patchy—it can be poor or not well co-ordinated, which the individuals affected and their families find difficult to understand. Patients feel as though they are stuck in yet another postcode lottery. It really is a scandal that nine of our 14 health boards have no neurological services plan and that six of them do not intend to introduce such a plan.

I know that the Government is looking at and addressing such issues. However, it is vital that we look forward to what can be achieved—actions are required, not words or documents. Sue Ryder’s new “Rewrite the Future” report for 2017 shows that there is still a lot of work to be done on the ground to improve care for people with neurological conditions.

We talk about councils having a role to play and about how they need to do much more if they are to be effective in supporting people who have neurological conditions. Mr Crawford’s motion makes it clear that third sector and public bodies want to do all that they can and that they want to co-operate with people who have such a condition. They have a part to play in ensuring that everything comes together, which must happen if we are to ensure that people can go forward with confidence.

However, I would go further. The Scottish Government has had 10 years in which to gather momentum on the issue. Vital work urgently needs to be commenced on overhauling health boards’ plans in order to ensure that the quality of care for those who live with neurological conditions is at the forefront. Ultimately, that is what we are trying to achieve. Individuals and families are suffering every day. They must be able to have confidence in the health service and in the services that look after them. They should not have to rely on charitable organisations to provide them with support and care.