Children with Serious Neurological Conditions 2025-11-20

Opened the debate

I am pleased to have secured this Adjournment debate on the support available to children—and, crucially, their families—living with serious neurological conditions. I applied for this debate after hearing the moving testimony of my constituent, Shelina, a mother who never expected to find herself navigating the complex and overwhelming world that confronted her when her daughter Tafida fell seriously ill... (continued full speech including points on access to high-quality information, emotional support, joined-up public services, and recognition of family roles in decision-making).

Government Response

I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for West Ham and Beckton (James Asser) on securing this important debate... I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Bexleyheath and Crayford (Daniel Francis), my hon. Friend the Member for Leeds South West and Morley (Mark Sewards) and my hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Adam Jogee) for their contributions... There are hundreds of serious neurological conditions that affect children, ranging from epilepsy and cerebral palsy to rare, genetic and degenerative disorders and acquired brain injury... The need for timely diagnosis, integrated care and comprehensive support for every child and family, regardless of the specific condition they face. We recognise these challenges and are committed to improving access to care, reducing inequalities, and providing holistic support through health, education, and social care systems. Our 10-year health plan aims to transform care for children with serious neurological conditions by delivering integrated, community-based services that prioritise early identification and intervention. Through neighbourhood health centres and multidisciplinary teams, we are ensuring wraparound support including medical, emotional, and practical needs. Digital tools empower parents to manage appointments and access records easily. We have provided £500 million debt relief and are working with authorities to improve care pathways through the neurology transformation programme. The national bundle of care for epilepsy sets clear standards, while new commissioning frameworks ensure early intervention and coordinated services for cerebral palsy. The UK rare diseases framework includes better coordination of care and improved access to specialist treatment. Mental health support is being embedded into paediatric neurology pathways with initiatives like the national bundle of care including psychological support as a core component. We are committed to meeting the NHS constitutional standard of patients seen within 18 weeks by March 2029, expanding diagnostic capacity, rolling out virtual consultations and opening more community diagnostic centres seven days a week. SEND reforms aim at earlier intervention, stronger inclusion in mainstream education, better collaboration between health, education and social care sectors, embedding mental health provision, improving workforce expertise and planning smooth transitions into adulthood care. Financial support is provided through disability living allowance, carer’s allowance, personal health budgets and local authority support including respite care and equipment provision.