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The New Zealand Paediatric Neurology Clinical Network is a national multidisciplinary network dedicated to improving the diagnosis, management, and outcomes of children with neurological disorders. These disorders encompass conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, muscles, and the autonomic nervous system. The network includes clinicians involved in the care of infants, children, and young people with neurological conditions and aims to ensure consistent, equitable, and high-quality care across New Zealand’s health services. Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcomes and quality of life for tamariki and their whānau.
Network Priorities
Looking ahead, the Clinical Reference Group is developing a new work priority list. A nationwide survey will be disseminated to all clinicians involved in diagnosing and managing children with neurological disorders, including paediatric neurologists, paediatricians, nurses, neurophysiologists, allied health professionals, community health providers, and NGOs.
The survey aims to identify gaps, prioritise projects, and find individuals available to contribute to these initiatives. Once activities and projects are prioritised, each initiative will concentrate on identifying nationwide inequities in care and developing strategies to address and eliminate them.
One key focus is addressing gaps in national connectivity between health professional groups, which has resulted in inconsistency and inequity of care. The network is planning to improve links between health professionals nationwide, within specific disciplines (e.g., paediatric neurology nurses and paediatric neurologists) and among multidisciplinary teams working within particular disorders (e.g., neuromuscular, epilepsy). The ultimate goal is to ensure that children with neurological disorders receive consistent and equitable care, regardless of where they live.