Network Working Groups
The Network working groups drive forward our work plan, ensuring the completion of objectives in keeping with the strategy of the Network, as agreed by the Scottish Government and Provider Healthboards. If you are a professional working in the care of Neurosurgical patients and would be interested in getting more involved with the work of the Network, you can contact us here.
A brief summary of these groups can be found below:
Inter-regional Group (IRG)
The IRG was created to join all four Neurosurgical Units with quarterly meetings to table operational issues and to promote national working. It bridges the gap between strategy and policy arising from the work of the MSN Board, and operational and clinical activity within Neurosurgery services. The IRG sits below the MSN Board within the structure of the Network, where it has operational oversight and a governance function.
Paediatric Advisory Group (PAG)
This group performs similarly to the IRG, with a focus to drive improvement in the delivery of care of paediatric patients. The PAG is made up of Consultants and other professionals delivering care to our younger patients, to ensure governance oversight of the delivery of services, ensure equitable care can be delivered throughout Scotland, and to improve the transition between paediatric and adult services when necessary. The group has oversight of audit work, such as the annual CAPNA Audit (Clinical Audit for Paediatric Neurosurgical Activity). The PAG also meets to discuss operational matters of paediatric services, which are delivered separately to adult services. The PAG meets twice per year.
Allied Health Professionals
Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) play a key role in the management of neurosurgical patients. Many of our patients require extensive rehabilitation in the acute hospital, the rehabilitation unit and in their own home when they are discharged. The contribution of the various disciplines (physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and dieticians) to the ultimate recovery of the patient is essential.
The MSN has established a national AHP Group with representatives from each of the four professions from the four Neurosurgical Units. The group meets every quarter to discuss issues related to patient management, share resources and ideas about best practice and work on a variety of deliverables.
The group is currently working on reviewing and redesigning AHP pathways. Once the new pathways are in place, an audit of pathways will be performed.
Nurses
Nursing staff play a central role in the care and management of neurosurgical patients, supporting individuals throughout their pathway from admission to recovery and discharge. Nurses contribute significantly to patient safety, care coordination, education, and ongoing support across acute and community settings.
The MSN has established a national Nurses Working Group which meets quarterly, with representation from all four Neurosurgical Units across Scotland. The group provides a forum to address challenges, share best practice, and support collaboration, helping to strengthen the role of nursing within neurosurgical services and improve patient care.
The group is currently progressing a range of work including workforce development initiatives, education and training programmes, and the development of national pathways and audit activity to support high-quality, patient-centred care.