Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department are taking to encourage local commissioning areas to incorporate the needs of individuals affected by multiple sclerosis and neurology condition within local strategic planning processes.
The majority of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neurological conditions can be cared for through routine access to primary and secondary care, which are commissioned locally by integrated care boards (ICBs). NHS England commissions the specialised elements of MS care for those with more complex health needs.
ICBs are responsible for developing a forward plan for its health services, including for MS and neurology.