Aug 25 2010
The North East Neurological Partnership has launched a new website to support people living with neurological conditions.
“The website is an example of TVDNY Neurological Alliance being in a prime position, after the regional audit of services identified gaps in access to information for people with neurological conditions, to design and provide information services across Durham and Teesside.”
The regional initiative is the first of its kind nationally and has seen the Tees Valley, Durham and North Yorkshire (TVDNY) Neurological Alliance, the Northern Neurological Alliance (NNA) and North East Neurosciences Network (NENN) working together to develop a single website with information about a wide range of neurological conditions together.
The website - www.nenp.org.uk - features sections for each of the partners as well as a "Fast Find" directory of conditions, services and support, its own library, latest news and a section for patients and carers.
At least 38,000 people in the North East live with a neurological condition and the numbers are set to rise sharply over the next 20 years. People can be affected by a sudden event such as a head injury or live with a progressive condition such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease. This can have a major impact on family life, relationships and employment.
The new website follows the successful launch of the country's first neurological Workforce Innovations Programme. Hosted by NHS Tees with the NENN, the programme offers development opportunities for practitioners who want to learn more specialist neuro skills and innovative ways of working with people closer to home.
The build of the new website has been funded by the Workforce Innovations Programme and the running costs will be met by the alliances. It can be accessed in a number of ways including: the partnership www.nenp.org.uk, the alliances www.na-na.org.uk and the network www.nenn.org.uk
Glenys Marriott chair of NENN, which is hosted by NHS Tees, said: "There is a wealth of information out there about neurological conditions so we have brought it all together in one place. We want the new website to be the first place people go to for information about all neurological conditions.
"We hope that this will just be the start and that people will contribute to making it even better."
NNA chairman Bill Worth said: "Voluntary agencies can become stronger and improve communications with primary care trusts and local authorities by working together. Under the umbrella of the North East Neurological Partnership and in collaboration with our sister alliance, TVDNY, it is hoped that this new website will become a vital source of information for people affected by neurological conditions as they cope with the impact such conditions can have and strive to improve their quality of life."
Lynne Barr of TVDNY Neurological Alliance, added: "The website is an example of TVDNY Neurological Alliance being in a prime position, after the regional audit of services identified gaps in access to information for people with neurological conditions, to design and provide information services across Durham and Teesside.
"The example set by TVDNY has now been extended to the Northern Neurological Alliance, completing the service for the North Cumbria, North and South of Tyne and Wear areas. This new upgraded website is a key example of how working together with and learning from each other, can really make a difference to people's lives in the region."
Source:
: Northern Neurological Alliance