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| The issues highlighted in the Standards of Care documents led directly to the commissioning of a detailed review of hospital-based Neurological services by Comhairle na nOspideal between 2001-2003. | |
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| A series of recommendations was published by Comhairle na nOspideal (now part of the National Hospitals Office) in April 2003. To download the full report click on the PDF on the right hand side of this page. The Comhairle report focused on the shortage of adult neurologists working in the public service and recommended a target of one neurologist per 100,000 population for the country, the present number (July 2008)is 19.
Some of the key recommendations of Comhairle report include :
-The setting up of 3 new regional Neurology units in Limerick, Sligo and Waterford (with provision for outpatient clinic & inpatient consultations to other hospitals in their Health Board areas)
-These 3 units to have 2 Neurologists each
-A long term target of 42 Neurologists for the country i.e. 1 Neurologist per 100,000 of population
-An interim target of 29 Neurologists for the country i.e. 1 Neurologist per 135,000 of population
-The interim target specifically includes the 2 new Neurologists each for Limerick, Sligo and Waterford
-The long term target for Cork to be 13 neurologists
-A target of 6 Paediatric Neurologists to include 2 posts for Cork
-Cavan, Drogheda and Tullamore to have outpatient clinics & inpatient consultations
In December 2003, a letter was sent from the Department of Health to all of the Health Boards endorsing the Comhairle na nOspideal recommendations, and suggesting to each health board that they should implement the recommendations, subject to available funding.
Summary of Recommendations of Comhairle na nOspideal Report on Neurology and Neurophysiology Services 2003
Structure of Services
Centres at Beaumont, Cork University and Galway University Hospitals should continue to be the focal point for organisation and development of neurology and neurophysiology services.
Development of consultant staffed Neurology units at the regional hospitals in Waterford and Limerick.
Establishment of Neurology Unit in Sligo Regional Hospital to facilitate the North West.
Existing Neurology Units in Dublin in the Mater, St. Vincent's, St. James's and Tallaght should continue to develop.
Beaumont hospital should provide Neurology services to the Midlands and North East.
In relation to Paediatric Neurology, services in Cork should have an additional Paediatric Neurology post.
Neurophysiology services to be based at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin and University Hospital, Cork and also be established in Galway.
Staffing
Ratio of one consultant neurologist per 100,000 be adopted as the target in Ireland (from 14 at time of report to a proposed long term target of 39)
Short to medium term goal of doubling current number of consultants (from 14 to 29)
Summary of recommendations of Comhairle na nOspideal report on neurosurgery (2006).
This report was prepared by Comhairle na nOspideal and published after a long delay in December 2006.
To download the full report, click on the PDF on the right hand side of this page
The main recommendations were as follows:
1. Structure of Services
Dublin Centre
Staffing: 10 consultant neurosurgeons as well as appropriate staffing for its size for a range of other support/diagnostic specialities such as neuroradiology as well as nursing and allied health professionals
Dedicated and appropriately equipped operating theatres and beds
Cork
Staffing: Six consultant neurosurgeons as well as appropriate staffing for its size for a range of other support/diagnostic specialities such as neuroradiology as well as nursing and allied health professionals
Dedicated and appropriately equipped operating theatres and beds
2. Development of clear protocols for the management of head injury which would include: initial transfer to A&E, resuscitation and stabilisation, assessment, arrangements for consultation with a consultant neurosurgeon, electronic transmission of CT images and transport and transfer arrangements
3. Improved access to neurosurgical units including recommendations of named neurosurgeon for a number of referring hospitals, facilities to be developed for transporting patients by air and exploration of cross border co-operation in neurosurgical referrals
4. The deficit of non acute, rehabilitation, community and continuing care services needs to be addressed. This would be vital in better managing of neurosurgery beds
5. Development of a national committee for neurosurgical services to oversee the implementation of service developments.
NB: Immediate recommendations include:
National committee for neurosurgery services to be established
An additional post of paediatric consultant neurosurgeon to be appointed in Dublin
An additional fourth post of consultant neurosurgeon to be appointed in Cork
Beds, including ICU beds should be protected for neurosurgery services in Dublin and Cork
Uniform protocols to be developed for the management, transfer and transport of head-injured patients.
Strategic Review of Neurology and Neurophysiology
This report was commissioned by the National Hospitals Office and completed by Population Health in December 2007. It has not been published to date (August 2009) This report examined acute neurolgy and neurophysiology services as well as presenting a blueprint for community access to neurological expertise. The Strategic Review drew on both Comhairle na nOspideal reports as well as a wide consultation with neurologists, allied health professionals and the NAI
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| this is a dropdown list of frequently asked questions - Please choose one to be forwarded to the relevant answers:
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| These three documents present a comprehensive view of the current problems in the provision of services for those with Neurological conditions and an outline of the proposed solutions. | |
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Report of the Committee to Review Neurosurgical Services in Ireland, 2006 |
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Report of the Committee to review Neurology and Neurophysiology Services in Ireland 2003 |
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