What is a neuromuscular network?
A neuromuscular network is a regional collaboration that brings together healthcare professionals, people with neuromuscular conditions, carers, voluntary sector organisations, and ideally NHS managers and commissioners.
Its purpose is to improve the quality, consistency and coordination of care for people living with neuromuscular disorders.
Neuromuscular conditions are individually rare but collectively common, lifelong and complex. Care often spans multiple specialties and settings. A neuromuscular network helps link these services so care is planned, coordinated and patient-centred rather than fragmented.
What does a neuromuscular network do?
- Brings together multidisciplinary professionals across primary, secondary and tertiary care, including neurology, specialist nursing, physiotherapy, respiratory, cardiac, orthopaedic and palliative services.
- Maps services and patient pathways to identify gaps, duplication and variation in care.
- Supports agreed care pathways, service models and clinical standards.
- Facilitates communication and shared learning across organisations.
- Involves patients, families and voluntary sector partners in shaping services.
- Works with NHS planners and commissioners to support service development.
- Promotes education, training and workforce development.
Why does the network matter?
For patients and families
- More coordinated, specialist-informed care regardless of location.
- Reduced variation through consistent standards and pathways.
- Earlier identification and proactive management of complications.
- Meaningful involvement in service design and priorities.
For professionals
- Shared learning and peer support in a low-volume, high-complexity field.
- Improved confidence and expertise across the wider workforce.
- Opportunities for multidisciplinary collaboration and innovation.
For the NHS
- Clear understanding of regional neuromuscular need and provision.
- Identification of gaps and inefficiencies to support targeted improvement.
- More effective planning of specialist services.
- Better coordination and prevention of avoidable harm.
What is happening in the North West?
The North West Adult and Paediatric Neuromuscular Network is being rebooted.
A face-to-face meeting will be held on 24 February 2026 at the Winsford Neuromuscular Centre. Interim chairs: Dr James Lilleker and Dr Gary McCullough.
The meeting will include:
- Purpose and future direction of the network
- Governance and executive structure
- Balance of business and education
- Updates from adult and paediatric centres
- Tour of Winsford NMC and external speakers
If you want to be involved, please register here