The Neurological Alliance will welcome over 100 guests to their Parliamentary Reception in the Palace of Westminster today.
These guests include people affected by neurological conditions, charities, professional bodies and industry partners, as well as healthcare professionals including representatives from NHS.
The event aims to inform and educate Parliamentarians about the experiences and challenges of living with a neurological condition.
These are defined as any condition which affects the brain, spinal cord or nerves like Parkinson’s, epilepsy, motor neurone disease (MND) and autism.
They hope to showcase the breadth and depth of the neuro sector and encourage Parliamentarians to become a ‘Neuro Champion,’ which involves using their influence to improve treatment and support.
Sam Mountney, Policy and External Affairs Manager for The Neurological Alliance, said: “It’s not just one person that neurological conditions affect.
“They can often affect a person’s family too in terms of care responsibilities or additional support. So it’s a huge number of people that we look to improve the lives of.
“We are making a case for the government to help reduce NHS waiting times, increase the neuro workforce and mental health support for our community.”
One in six people in the UK live with a neurological condition.
As of September 2024, more than 234,000 people were waiting for an NHS neurology appointment and more than 55,000 were waiting for NHS neurosurgery in England.
The Parliamentary Reception will feature speakers including NHS England’s National Medical Director, Prof Sir Stephen Powis, Chief Executive of The Huntington’s Disease Association, Cath Stanley and lived experience ambassador and Tourette syndrome advocate, Paul Stevenson.
For more information on The Neurological Alliance, visit: https://www.neural.org.uk
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