Archived Publications <3 Years

The attached workforce report has been collated from data collected in March 2020 from UK Neurosurgical Units and provides a valuable snap shot of the current situation.

The SBNS and the British Association of Spinal Surgeons (BASS) has developed a guideline to be used for the management of patients with suspected or confirmed Cauda Equina Syndrome. 

This document has been  circulated to all those involved with the assessment and management of patients with this condition.  The standard provides support for the immediate assessment and imaging (MRI) for such patients and their timely transfer for decompressive surgery.

  Standards of care for elective and emergency neurosurgery

Performing surgical procedures at an incorrect site or incorrect level has always been a major concern for all surgeons, including neurosurgeons. The SBNS has reviewed and updated it's guidance for avoidance of this problem. This updated guidance is listed above, and has been sent to all neurosurgical units and members of the SBNS. This does not represent a standards document, but does provide suggestions regarding steps that can be taken to try to avoid this potentially damaging complication.  

New optimal pathways of care available for services for people affected by neurological conditions
The National Neuroscience Advisory Group has published several optimal clinical pathways of care across a range of neurological conditions, including movement disorders, headache and facial pain, traumatic brain injury and functional neurological disorders. 

19 June 2023
https://www.nnag.org.uk/optimum-clinical-pathways

Best practice in the management of epidural analgesia in the hospital setting
Sept 2020
https://fpm.ac.uk/media/2576

Management of Perceived Devastating Brain Injury After Hospital Admission 
A Consensus Statement
January 2018

Devastating Brain Injury 
BJA article 2017
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0007091217539446 

Spinal Taskforce

Improving Spinal Care Project  March 2016
National Backpain Pathway
Regional Spinal Networks

Defines the minimum facilities and requirements for safe neurosurgical practice within the UK and Ireland
 Safe Neurosurgery 2000

 Joint Statement regarding the provision of emergency paediatric neurosurgery Aug 2010

British Neurosurgical Workforce Plan 2000 - 2015 
Predicts neurosurgical workforce requirements up to 2015
British Neurosurgical Workforce Plan 2000 - 2015

Report on Stereotactic Radiosurgery/Radiotherapy Workshop 5/4/2021
Outlines the place of radiosurgery in the treatment of neurosurgical pathologies
Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Standards for Patients requiring Neurosurgical Care (2002)
Defines the minimum neurosurgical standards of care
Standards document

Team Working (2002)
Is the SBNS response to the GMC's request for consultants to practice in teams
Download TeamWorking

Medical Negligence (2002)
Discusses the role of the expert witness and other aspects of medical negligence
Medical Negligence

Acoustic Neuroma - 2002
 Clinical Effectiveness Guidelines 

ISAT and Neurovascular Services in UK (2003)
Defines the resources required and guidelines on the structure of neurovascular services
ISAT and Neurovascular Services in UK

Consensus Conference on Neurovascular Services (2004)
A meeting to discuss the impact of endovascular treatments of subarachnoid haemorrhage due to aneurysmal rupture on established surgical treatments was held at the Royal College of Surgeons of England in London on 7th October 2004.
 Executive Summary  Consensus Conference on Neurovascular Services 

National Service Framework for Long Term Conditions March 2005 

National service framework for long term conditions 

 Position Statement on Antibiotics and Low Back Pain August 2013

 NHSSpinalReport_vis2_Jan_2013.pdf    

 DH_Spinal_Taskforce_Letter_Sir_B_Keogh_2012.12.21.doc

The above report and letter has been prepared for commissioners of spinal services across England. It follows the first report published in March 2010 and is an extension of the advice given at that time.

Antibiotics and Low Back Pain July 2012
Professor C Greenough MD MChir FRCS
National Clinic Director – Spinal Disorders