Neurological Care and Support in Scotland: A Framework for Action 2020-2025 - Final Report

Ministerial Foreword

We published the first overarching national strategy for neurological care in Scotland in late 2019. Neurological Care and Support in Scotland: A Framework for Action 2020-2025 has a vision to ensure everyone with a neurological condition can access the care and support they need to live their life well, on their own terms. The Framework was developed in co-production with partners and stakeholders, securing widespread support.

£2.6 million has been awarded to projects to improve the quality of care over the five years of the Framework. A large number of these projects have delivered measurable improvements in the care and support that people with neurological conditions and their carers experience, in increasing the knowledge and skills of staff working in this field, or have developed strategic frameworks or guidelines that, if more widely adopted, can impact positively on the way that care is delivered. This clearly demonstrates our commitment to people living with a neurological condition.

The Framework formally concluded in March 2025 but this does not mean that the work is at an end. Work is still required to build on what has already been achieved. NHS boards have led work to evaluate health and social services against the General Standards for Neurological Care and Support^[1] and have developed improvement plans. We want to see this momentum continue through collaboration between delivery partners and the third sector, building on the achievements of the Framework, and by seeing tangible improvements in the care and support of people with neurological conditions.

Partnership across the neurology community – health and social care, people with lived experience, carers and the third sector – will be critical in wider adoption and sustaining these improvements in care.

I would like to express my recognition and appreciation to the chair of our National Advisory Committee for Neurological Conditions, Baroness Stephanie Fraser of Craigmaddie, vice-chairs Dr Jenny Preston MBE and Susan Walker, and the many others who have supported and contributed to this work.

Jenni Minto MSP, Minister for Public Health, Women’s Health