About the National Spine Network (NSN)

Aims:

The objective of the NSN is to promote the implementation of the National Back and Radicular Pain Pathway (NBRPP) and excellence in spinal care through a clinical network for the benefit of people with spinal and radicular pain in the UK

Objectives:

• To stimulate the exchange of models of service delivery, knowledge and ideas related to spinal pathways.
• To facilitate, share and collaborate in projects which improve spinal care for patients.
• To foster and develop networks amongst spinal clinicians and stakeholders regionally and nationally.
• To host an annual National Spine Network meeting.
• To develop and maintain links to other spinal societies.
• To contribute to the work of the UK Spine Societies Board (UKSSB)

Background:

The NHS England Trauma Programme of Care Board selected low back pain and radicular pain as a pathfinder project in 2013. A clinical group of 30 stakeholder representatives worked collaboratively to produce an agreed, seamless pathway, extending from first contact in primary care through to secondary care and specialist services. The first pathway produced in 2014 was updated in 2017 following the publication of NICE NG59.

Regional specialised commissioning teams worked collaboratively with the transformation team in each CCG to support implementation across England. Independent evaluation of the Northeast pathway demonstrated clinical benefit and cost savings in their population.

In 2017, the UK Spine Societies Board supported the foundation of the National Back Pain - Clinical Network (NBP-CN) to support health care professionals who have responsibility for the organisation and delivery of back pain services.

In 2019-2020, NBP-CN was instrumental in developing the NBP-CN Early Recognition of Cauda Equina Syndrome: A Framework for Assessment and Referral for Primary care / MSK interface services which was launched in 2020.

In 2021, NBP-CN began to collaborate with GIRFT and NHSEngland in the BestMSKHealth Spinal programme, contributing to the development of community and hospital spinal pathways, MRI advice leaflets, CES pathways, and more.

In 2022, the NBP-CN rebranded as the National Spine Network (NSN) and reorganised to increase collaboration with Regional Spinal networks to continue improve spinal care nationally.

Membership:

Membership of the group is open to Healthcare Professionals, from a range of professions, who have a special interest in spinal assessment, management and delivery of care and those interested in joining a dynamic professional group who share their passion for best practice.

The network currently has members, from a range of professions, including:
Physiotherapists, Surgeons, Nurses, Commissioners, Chiropractors, Osteopaths, Researchers and more!

Joining the NSN:

If you are a clinician who is delivering spinal care in the UK, then the NSN is made up of people just like you. We would welcome you to join us and become part of a dedicated multi-professional community, who share a common vision collaborating and implementing the National Back and Radicular Pain Pathway (NBRPP)and improving spinal care in the UK.

Your subscription will support the ongoing growth of the network; organisation and delivery of conference and training; promote local and regional networking opportunities; helping improve spinal care nationally through cooperation and teamwork.

Join the NSN