NSF for long-term (neurological) conditions

This NSF was published in March 2005 and provides an important blueprint for the development of services for people with neurological conditions and the support of those who care for them over a 10-year period.

With others, Headway was instrumental in prompting a Health Select Committee inquiry in 2001 into Brain Injury : Rehabilitation. The resulting report identified serious shortcomings in existing services and led eventually to the development and publication of the NSF, which covers all neurological conditions. Headway contributed to the formulation of the NSF through its membership of the External Reference and Implementation Groups and is now represented on the Stakeholder Group set up to oversee implementation.

All of the 11 Quality Requirements (QRs) contained in the NSF are important and apply in some degree to brain injury survivors. Headway has identified three QRs as being especially relevant:

QR 1

A "person-centred service" is particularly relevant to brain injury survivors whose needs are typically individual and complex, requiring integrated assessment and planning of treatment and rehabilitation.

QR 5

Stresses the vital role of community rehabilitation and support

"People with long-term neurological conditions living at home are to have access to a comprehensive range of rehabilitation. Advice and support to meet their continuing and changing needs increase their independence and autonomy and help them to live as they wish."

This describes precisely the role played by Headway Centres: rehabilitation, physical and emotional support, social re-integration, coping strategies, confidence building, - all leading to greater independence and autonomy.

QR 10

Underlines the importance of identifying and addressing the needs of families and carers.

"Carers of people with long-term neurological conditions are to have access to appropriate support and services that recognise their needs both in their role as carers and in their own right."

Many Headway Groups were set up to support the carers of people who had sustained a brain injury. This remains one of the charity's core activities: providing information, guidance, reassurance and peer support to those who cope every day with the demands of living with a brain injury survivor.

The text of the NSF and supporting documents can be found on the Department of Health website. Use the link below.