Campaigners for people with rare and complex conditions
The Specialised Healthcare Alliance is a coalition of patient-related groups and corporate supporters with a strong record of campaigning on behalf of people with rare and complex conditions in need of specialised care.
About us
The Specialised Healthcare Alliance (SHCA) is a coalition of patient groups, charities and corporate supporters with a strong record of campaigning on behalf of people with rare and complex conditions in need of specialised care.
1 in 17 people will be affected by a rare or complex condition at some point in their lives. We believe that access to high-quality specialised services is fundamental for a properly functioning National Health Service and a key criterion by which the NHS should be judged.
We advocate for better services for patients, keeping specialised services at the forefront of the national conversation. The SHCA captures the views of our members and keeps them informed through our quarterly meetings and regular email correspondence.
The SHCA focuses exclusively on overarching policies and structures relating to specialised care and does not address individual therapeutic issues. The SHCA has no political affiliation and seeks to work across party lines.
The secretariat of the SHCA is provided by Evoke Incisive Health.
Members and Supporters
The SHCA has a diverse and growing membership of over 130 patient organisations and charities. Our members represent a wide range of conditions and specialised services, including neurological conditions, pediatric health, and rare and genetic diseases. Here you can find a full list of our members.
The SHCA is supported by 11 corporate supporters, comprising of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
Publications
Navigating the world of specialised services can be challenging. The SHCA wants to change that by providing clear information for the community.
Here you can find our reports, case studies and quarterly meeting minutes, and learn more about the ongoing work of the SHCA.
Our history
The SHCA was established in 2003 and over the past 20 years we have played a significant part in changing the landscape for specialised services.
Through publishing reports, submitting evidence, and influencing decision makers in the NHS and Government, we have given a voice to our community.