South Cumbria gets neurology back

But patients still in the dark about their neurologist

Late last year I wrote about the desperate situation facing people in South Cumbria living with Parkinson’s, who had been told an already inadequate neurology service was going to be discontinued. That left people forced to travel for many hours to see a doctor, a perfect example of why the need for more neurologists is the first demand in the Movers and Shakers’ Parky Charter for better Parkinson’s care.

But now there is some better news. From April 1st South Cumbria will be getting back a neurology service - of sorts. The new service will be run by a private company the Bespoke Health Group which already has a number of NHS contracts, providing a variety of services. But nowhere on its website is there any mention of expertise in neurology.

In a letter to patients NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board said it was “delighted” that Bespoke was taking over and offered reassurance:

“Your care will continue to be provided under the NHS and wherever possible, in the same locations as before. Existing nursing staff will transfer to Bespoke Healthcare, so it is likely that you will continue to see familiar faces in familiar places.”

One recipient of the letter, Nick Morey, messaged me saying he was not inclined to break out the champagne: “I don’t feel as delighted as the author of the letter with the contracting out of this important service to the private sector.”

When I caught up with Nick on the phone, he told me he felt that he and other people with Parkinson’s were still left with many questions about the service. We discussed the cautious wording - “wherever possible”, patients will be seen in the same places as before, “it is likely” that they will see familiar faces.

Among the things he still wants to know - who will be my consultant? Where will I see them - will it be at nearby Furness General Hospital in Barrow or at Bespoke’s own Greater Lancashire Hospital a couple of hours away by car? What happens with our Parkinson’s nurse - she may not want to transfer to a private company?

This crisis began because nobody seemed to want the job of neurologist in Barrow when the previous incumbent left. It remains to be seen whether Bespoke Health will prove more successful in filling the role. I will let you know what happens next.