BPF backs call to fix NHS care for polio survivors

People across the UK who have had polio and are now living with its effects are being failed by health systems which are struggling to meet even basic needs, according to new findings from My Neuro Survey — the largest patient experience survey of its kind.

Published today by The Neurological Alliance, of which the British Polio Fellowship (BPF) is a

member, the survey reveals that just 1 in 3 respondents felt the care they receive meets

their needs. The situation is especially stark when it comes to mental health support:

• 69% of people who needed neuropsychiatry services couldn’t access them

• 62% couldn’t access neuropsychology

• 48% were unable to access counselling

Despite the challenges, the survey also highlights the positive impact of good care when

it is accessible. 72% of people said they felt comfortable speaking with healthcare

professionals, and 57% reported that information was clearly explained.

In response, The Neurological Alliance has today launched an open letter to Secretary of

State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting, urging the Government to take urgent

action for the more than 1 in 6 people living with a neurological condition in the country.

The letter is timely, given the Government will soon set out its much anticipated 10-year

plan for the NHS and NHS Workforce Delivery Plan. Despite neurological conditions

affecting more than 1 in 6 people, the Government has not yet committed to specific

implementation measures for people affected by neurological conditions or neurological

services within these plans.

Key calls to the Secretary of State are:

• Tackle critical workforce shortages in neuroscience and associated specialties in the forthcoming workforce plan.

• Ensure the NHS 10 year plan is supported by a specific implementation plan for services for people affected by neurological conditions.

• Implement NHS guidance that seeks to ensuring no-one is turned away from mental health services due to their neurological diagnosis.

• Build a health system architecture that provides much needed clinical leadership and delivers transformation of services for people affected by neurological conditions. Draw from the extensive work undertaken within the NHS England national neuroscience transformation programme, National Neuro Advisory Group optimal clinical pathways of care and Getting It Right First Time neurology and neurosurgery programmes.

• Unlock the potential of the UK Neuro Forum by providing dedicated, time-limited government funding to support its coordination and engagement activities.

Georgina Carr, CEO of the Neurological Alliance, said: “These findings are a stark reminder that people affected by neurological conditions are being left behind. One in six people lives with a neurological condition—yet care is too often fragmented, under-resourced, and poorly integrated.

"We need urgent action to tackle workforce shortages in neurology and associated

specialties, deliver a dedicated implementation plan for neuro services, and ensure no one

is turned away from mental health support because of their neurological diagnosis.

"We know what good looks like: joined-up services, empowered professionals, and

meaningful partnerships with the voluntary sector. Now is the time to act—and the

forthcoming NHS workforce plan and 10-year strategy must deliver for the one in six.”

The British Polio Fellowship has signed the open letter to the Secretary of

State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting and encourage polio survivors to do the same - sign this open letter