The aim of the Scottish Paediatric & Adolescent Rheumatology Network (SPARN) is to ensure that all children with rheumatological conditions in Scotland are diagnosed promptly and managed appropriately. Since its designation in 2009, the network has facilitated local delivery of specialist care. This means that children and their families no longer have to travel to tertiary centres to receive the care they need. Network clinics have been established in all health board areas and these are supported by local multidisciplinary teams including Nurse Specialists, Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists.
The network structure enables teams to work together across specialty and health board boundaries and develop flexible solutions to support local need. To further support local delivery of care, the network has developed paediatric rheumatology service clinical guidance and an education programme to facilitate sharing knowledge and expertise. The network ensures that the care delivered in each clinic meets agreed national standards and supports services to improve care through continuous quality improvement.
Within the website you will find:
- Current network activities
- Information on events
- Network newsletters and other publications
- Information on SPARN workstreams such as education programme and SPARN guidance
- Links to relevant organisations
- Information for parent/carers
If you have anything you would like added or amended on the website or would be interested in helping with content please contact NSS.SPARN@nhs.scot