October 10th 2024: PRESS STATEMENT
Neurological Alliance welcomes Budget 2025 announcement of regional consultant neurology services
The Neurological Alliance of Ireland (NAI), the national umbrella body for over 30 neurological organisations, welcomes the announcement today of the delivery of consultant neurology services in five regional hospitals in Letterkenny, Wexford, Mayo, Kerry and Portlaoise, as well as recent investment in Bantry General Hospital, by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly. This is in response to the NAI’s pre-budget ask to tackle regional inequity by providing access to neurology services across five regional hospitals.
The funding provided will support the recruitment of five additional consultant neurologists and a clinical support member. The announcement comes as part of a substantial package of investment in services for people with neurological conditions. This will include regional neurologists together with additional investment in community neurorehabilitation services, which are critical to supporting recovery and preventing further disability for people living with neurological conditions throughout the country.
Commenting on today’s (10.10.24) announcement, Magdalen Rogers, Executive Director of the Neurological Alliance of Ireland said, “Today’s announcement by Minister Stephen Donnelly of such a significant programme of investment in neurology and neurorehabilitation services sends a strong signal of support to the over 860,000 people throughout Ireland who live with a neurological condition. We had identified five regional hospitals where there was no, or very limited, access to neurology services. This meant unacceptable journey times for patients and their families in these regions, often over many years of living with a neurological diagnosis. We warmly welcome the Ministers acknowledgment in his statement of the important work of the Neurological Alliance of Ireland. The announcement today which will ensure that many more people with neurological conditions throughout Ireland will have access to the care they need, when they need it.”
The Neurological Alliance is a coalition of neurological charities which advocates for developing and resourcing services across the spectrum of neurological diseases and neuro-disability. The Alliance, together with partner Alliances in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland has recently launched the largest patient experience survey to date for neurological patients. Full information on the survey is available at Patient Experience Survey