NAI welcomes the commitment in the Action Plan for Disability Services 2024-2026, published in December 2023, to have a community neurorehabilitation team in each of the 6 new Regional Health Areas and to increase the size of the team to 18 WTE (whole time equivalent) staff members.
NAI’s successful advocacy campaign has secured funding for teams in CHO (Community Health Organisation) areas 2 and 4 and to support a significant increase in the size of the teams in CHOs 6 and 7 from 5 to 13 WTE. Investment to develop a further team is due to be announced in the coming weeks with the publication of the HSE service plan.
The Disability Action Plan also outlines that sites will be identified for the development of Level 2 inpatient neurorehabilitation services around the country.
NAI’s recent response to the call for submissions to the National Disability Strategy highlights the need to implement the National Neurorehabilitation Strategy, focusing on Ireland’s responsibilities under Article 26 of the UNCRPD (UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities).
Article 26: States Parties shall take effective and appropriate measures, including through peer support, to enable persons with disabilities to attain and maintain maximum independence, full physical, mental, social and vocational ability, and full inclusion and participation in all aspects of life. To that end, States Parties shall organize, strengthen and extend comprehensive habilitation and rehabilitation services and programmes, particularly in the areas of health, employment, education and social services.