The UK lacks a single, reliable dataset on its adult neurology workforce, severely limiting efforts to plan services and tackle inequalities in care for people living with a neurological condition, according to a new report.
The report, published by the Association of British Neurologists (ABN), finds that existing workforce data is fragmented, incomplete and often unreliable, with no consistent national picture of how many neurologists are working in the NHS, where they are based, or how much clinical time they provide.
As a result, workforce planning is largely driven by estimates rather than need, contributing to long waiting times and stark regional variation in access to specialist care.
The ‘State of the UK Neurology Workforce’ report reviewed available data, which reveals that that the UK has between 1.1 and 1.8 consultant neurologists per 100,000 people, although these preliminary figures may be unreliable.
By comparison, European countries with a similar income have a median of 6.6 neurologists per 100,000 population.
The Neurological Alliance, which represents more than 100 organisations working to transform the lives of people with neurological conditions, is backing the report’s call for a comprehensive census of the multidisciplinary neurology workforce across the UK within the next two years.
It says this would, for the first time, provide a clear national picture of the number and location of consultant neurologists, specialist nurses, allied health professionals and support staff, making it possible to address regional inequalities in access to specialist services and build a workforce fit for the future.
The report also calls for regions to ensure a minimum of 1.6 whole-time equivalent consultant neurologists per 100,000 people, a figure that no country in the UK has currently achieved.
Georgina Carr, Chief Executive of The Neurological Alliance, said: “It is deeply concerning that in 2026 we still cannot say with confidence how many neurology professionals are working in the NHS, where they are, or whether there are enough of them to meet patient need. This lack of data means workforce planning is too often guesswork, and people with neurological conditions are left waiting years for diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care.”
“The ABN’s recommendation of a minimum of 1.6 consultant neurologists per 100,000 population is a clear and pragmatic starting point to level up services across the UK. A comprehensive workforce census is also essential if we are to move beyond minimum standards and build a neurology workforce that is genuinely fit for the future.”
Professor Neil Robertson, President of the ABN, and Clinical Professor of Neurology at Cardiff University, said: “Patients are being let down by lack of access to neurologists across the UK. We are unable to plan a sustainable neurology workforce that meets the needs of the population when we do not know how many neurologists we actually have.
“The neurology workforce needs to grow to meet changing population needs and the increasing complexity of neurological therapies. But growth must be evidence-based. We’re calling on NHS England, Health and Care Commissioners, and the Department of Health and Social Care to support this census so we can finally plan services that patients deserve.”