The announcement from Minister for Public Health and Prevention Andrew Gwynne comes after a campaign with the backing of over 100 organisations, including Headway - the brain injury association and led by The Neurological Alliance.
Minister Gwynne on the forum
Andrew Gwynne, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, said in his speech:
“I am proud to welcome the launch of the UK Neuro Forum. This long overdue forum will help address common concerns and challenges experienced by people affected by neurological conditions, which are too often overlooked."
“This initiative will unite governments, clinical leaders and campaigners to tackle shared challenges and drive UK-wide collaboration to improve gaps in treatment and care of people with conditions that impact the nervous system.”
What will the forum look like?
The UK Neuro Forum will hold formal meetings twice a year, bringing together representatives from the Department for Health and Social Care, NHS England, the devolved governments, and the Neurological Alliances from across the UK. The first meeting will take place in early 2025, followed by another in the summer, with twice yearly meetings continuing in the years to come.
The announcement was made at the Neurological Alliance’s AGM in London attended by Headway and other neurological charities from across the UK.
An update on the acquired brain injury (ABI) strategy
In response to a question from Headway about the ABI strategy, which was under development by the previous government, Minister Gwynne said ABI remains a priority for the government and that he recently met with Headway’s Parliamentary Champion Sir Chris Bryant MP about how best to take the strategy forward. This will include and engaging with the treasury on the matter.
Headway- the brain injury association Chief Executive Luke Griggs said: “The launch of the UK Neuro Forum is a positive step towards improving the lives of people with neurological conditions including brain injury.
“We look forward to seeing how the forum will operate in practice, but welcome the clear opportunity for us to engage directly with governments across the UK and advocate for brain injury survivors, their families and carers."
“I’m also grateful for the Minister’s continued commitment to brain injury survivors through his comments on the ABI Strategy.
“Although progress with this strategy has been frustrating, it is encouraging to hear it is a being considered by the new government.”
Back