NAI released a report highlighting the critical under-staffing and under-resourcing of neurology services throughout Ireland.
The NAI Report "Resourcing of Neurology Services in Ireland Five Years On 2015-2020" compares the findings of a nationwide survey of neurology centres in 2015 and 2020.
When compared with the 2015 survey, the 2020 findings indicate some progress in addressing regional gaps in consultant staffing but deterioration or little progress in the following areas in the last five years with most centres reporting:
- A critical need to staff dedicated multidisciplinary teams in neurology particularly clinical nurse specialists.
- Limited or no access to both community and inpatient neurorehabilitation services compared to 2015.
- Insufficient numbers of inpatient beds or lack of ring-fenced beds for the neurology service.
- Waiting times for non-emergency MRI exceeding 12 with an increase in the proportion of centres reporting longer waiting times in 2020 compared with 2015.
The report highlights the urgent need for investment in neurology and neurorehabilitation services as well as immediate action to tackle the funding crisis facing not for profit providers of neurological care services
The full eport is available to download at Resources of Neurology Services in Ireland