A new outpatient neuropsychology service has launched at CHFT today, providing specialist support for Calderdale patients living with a range of neurological conditions. 

The service marks an important step forward for neuropsychology provision in Calderdale, expanding support beyond the Trust's existing inpatient stroke service and enabling more people in the community to access specialist assessment and support. 

Until now, neuropsychology input at CHFT has only been available for patients receiving inpatient stroke care. The new service opens referrals for people with a wider range of neurological conditions, including Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), epilepsy and traumatic brain injury. 

Initially, the service is available for Calderdale patients only, following investment through Calderdale's NHS funding arrangements. 

Dr James Hall, Principal Clinical Psychologist in Neuropsychology at CHFT (pictured), said: "This is a really important development for patients in Calderdale. Previously, neuropsychology support within our Trust was only available for people receiving inpatient stroke care. This new service means we can begin providing specialist neuropsychology support for people living in the community and for those with a wider range of neurological conditions.

"We hope this will become another important piece of the jigsaw in helping people live well with neurological conditions. Neuropsychology can help us understand how changes in thinking, memory and cognition are affecting someone's day-to-day life, as well as supporting families and the wider teams involved in their care.

"This is the start of what we hope will be the continued development of neuropsychology services across our area, helping more people access the specialist support they need." 

The service will work closely with existing clinical teams and is expected to receive referrals from specialist clinicians, including neurologists, specialist nurses and community therapy teams.

As the service develops, it will help strengthen the support available to people with neurological conditions across Calderdale and contribute to CHFT's ambition to continue growing specialist neuropsychology provision in the future.