Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps the Government is taking to help support people waiting for appointments for long-term medical conditions, including neurology, to help prevent them sustaining secondary injuries.

In February 2022, NHS England launched the My Planned Care platform to provide advice and support to patients to manage their health while awaiting appointments. This platform includes advice on movement, medication and mental health.

The National Health Service is increasing elective capacity and improving patient pathways to reduce avoidable delays in care. This includes establishing community diagnostic centres and expanding surgical hubs to improve diagnosis and waiting times for treatment for patients with long-term conditions, including those with neurological conditions. NHS England is developing further guidance to support local health systems to provide personalised and targeted support for patients and their carers to manage symptoms, prevent deterioration and recover effectively from treatment.