A report produced following an external review of the island’s neurology department is due to be published within the next two months.

The Royal College of Physicians completed the invited review of the neurology service on 4 and 5 February 2025.

According to the Health Advisory Board, initial feedback from the reviewers is “positive” and the final report is expected by autumn this year.

Reviewers praised the work of the now-retired consultant in charge of the service.

However, reports presented at the latest meeting of the Health Advisory Board revealed that “longer waits are now also being experienced by patients across neurology due to reduced consultant provision”.

A full-time neurology locum is starting this month to “provide additional capacity for outpatient services for one year”, the report added.

In July last year, it was confirmed that a Royal College of Physicians review of Jersey’s neurology department was expected in quarter three or four of 2024 amid “ongoing issues and concerns” within the service.

But following delays from the external reviewers involved, the review was pushed back to 2025.

The final terms of reference for the review have now also been published in response to a request made under the Freedom of Information Law.

It will examine how the island’s current neurology service meets modern standards for an island population.

A team of experts – including neurologists, specialist nurses, and a lay reviewer – will assess patient care, clinical governance, and future planning for neurological services.

The review will be carried out in two stages: first by studying clinical records of patients with epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis; and then by interviewing staff and reviewing policies.

The team will look at the quality of care, teamwork, communication with patients and families, and existing treatment pathways. They will also consider how services could be modernised and whether stronger links with external centres are needed.

A final report with recommendations will be issued to guide improvements.