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The National Service Framework for Long-term Conditions has a particular focus on the needs of people with neurological conditions and brain or spinal injuries but also addresses some of the generic issues of relevance to a wide range of people with long-term conditions and disabilities.

Ministers appointed an External Reference Group (ERG) to advise them on the content of the NSF. Membership of the ERG was drawn from services users and carers, health and social care professionals and managers, and voluntary organisations. The ERG adopted an inclusive approach to its work, to engage with the full range of stakeholders and take account of their advice and opinions.

This NSF has been developed in the context of a more devolved NHS. Rather than setting national targets and milestones this NSF provides quality requirements for the new inspection authorities - the Heathcare Commission and the Commission for Social Care Inspection - to use in measuring local progress. But most importantly this NSF has been written in such a way that will make it useful for both patients and professionals.