Benefit of new pathway involving community neuro-physiotherapist piloting neurology assessment service (NAS) for patient referred by GP to neurology service

Abstract

Purpose: The traditional method of referrals from GP to outpatient‘s neurologist based in the acute trust (Medway Maritime Hospital) was no longer sustainable due to shortage of neurologists and increase demand. This caused an average waiting time of around 12 months for patients to see a neurologist and about 18–24 months before a patient has a diagnosis. The Medway CCG as a part of neurology outpatient transformation had series of consultations with various stakeholders like primary care, secondary care and community organisation to come up with an alternative plan to support the neurologist working for the acute trust. The new pathway set by Medway Community Healthcare (MCH) involves an extended scope neuro-physiotherapist screening the e-referrals (ERS) and seeing appropriate patients in the neuro-physiotherapist lead Neurology Assessment Service (NAS) that involves assessment, investigation and treatment of appropriate patients which has managed to reduce the waiting time for these patients and freed up the neurologist‘s time to see more complex patient in a timely manner.