In October 2022, WYAAT launched a service transformation programme for neurology services across our region. The purpose and vision of the programme is to deliver a sustainable, equitable and outstanding neurology service for West Yorkshire and Harrogate.
Areas within the scope of the programme include acute hospital in-patient and outpatient care, provision for on-call and out-of-hours neurology service, neurophysiology, neurorehabilitation, and reconfiguration of subspecialty services such as multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, headache, and Parkinson’s disease.
The programme will address several key improvements including:
- Development and implementation of a new network neurology service
- Improved service planning for acute in-patient and out-patient pathways
- Patient pre-referral and clinical pathway optimisation across Places and partner organisations
- A workforce strategy to meet the needs of the service, develop new roles and harness good practice
- Alignment with NHSE policy and neurosciences transformation programme.
The primary aim of the new neurology service will be to ensure patients are cared for as close to home, by the most appropriate healthcare professional, at the most appropriate time. The programme will also ensure patients have equitable access to general and specialist services in a timely manner.
Following the WYAAT Service Review in 2025, the programme underwent a refresh to ensure the priorities remain relevant and focus on delivering the best care for patients. A phase one plan was agreed with focus on three workstreams:
- Clinical pathway development – standardised patient pathways across our hospitals in six key specialties (MS, MND, Headache, Parkinsons, Epilepsy and Neuromuscular Disorder)
- Triage, advice and guidance – adopt a common approach to patient advice and guidance across our trusts and ensure patients are triaged consistently no matter which hospital they attend.
- Demand and capacity – undertake a demand and capacity exercise using comprehensive trust data to understand the most efficient way to run our services and inform our network delivery approach.
