The Managed Service Network (MSN) for Neurosurgery is dedicated to ensuring that every patient in Scotland has equal access to high-quality, safe, and effective neurosurgical care. As a national network within NHS Scotland, we coordinate services across the four main neurosurgical units in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, and Glasgow to provide a single, collaborative service for the nation.
Our Mission: Equity of Care
Our primary goal is to improve the patient journey by reducing variation in care and clinical outcomes. Whether you are seeking treatment for a spinal condition, a brain injury, or a complex neurological disorder, the MSN works behind the scenes to ensure that standards are met and that innovation is shared across all Scottish regions.
Specialized Neurosurgical Services
Neurosurgery is a highly specialized field dealing with conditions of the brain, spine, and nervous system. The MSN oversees a wide range of elective and emergency services, including:
- Neuro-Oncology: Advanced treatment for brain and spinal tumours.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Standardized clinical pathways for emergency head injuries.
- Spinal Surgery: Management of spinal cord compression and complex spinal disorders.
- Neuro-Vascular Surgery: Expert care for conditions like subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH).
- Paediatric Neurosurgery: Dedicated neurosurgical care for children and young people across Scotland.
Information for Patients & Families
Navigating a neurosurgical diagnosis can be overwhelming. We provide resources to help patients and their families understand their care pathways.
- What to Expect: Information on hospital stays in our units at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Ninewells Hospital, the Royal Hospital for Children, and more.
- Clinical Pathways: We develop national guidelines for conditions such as Cauda Equina Syndrome and Brain Tumours to ensure you receive the best evidence-based treatment, regardless of your location.
- Support & Resources: Access to third-sector partners and patient support groups throughout Scotland.
Driving Excellence through Research & Audit
The MSN for Neurosurgery isn’t just about current care; it’s about the future of medicine. Our Audit and Research Collaborative ensures that:
- National Audits: Our Audit Facilitators collect data to monitor service standards and drive continuous improvement.
- Clinical Research: We provide a “springboard” for high-quality clinical trials and research projects across Scotland’s neurosurgical units.
- Professional Training: We support the next generation of neurosurgeons through the Scottish training committee and integrated education programmes.
Collaborating for Better Outcomes
Our network brings together a multi-disciplinary team of Consultant Neurosurgeons, Nurses, and Allied Health Professionals (AHPs), including physiotherapists and occupational therapists. By working as a single national service, we ensure that expertise is shared and that Scotland remains at the forefront of neurosurgical excellence.