26.5.2023 Neurological Alliance highlights success of its campaign to tackle the shortage of nurse specialists in neurology
The Neurological Alliance of Ireland highlighted the success of their Patients Deserve Better campaign to the Oireachtas Committee on Health on May 17th, outlining that the campaign has secured a significant increase in nurse specialist posts in neurology services in 2023.
The nationwide campaign led by the Neurological Alliance of Ireland and supported by fifteen of its member organisations saw funding for 23 specialist nurses announced by Minister of State for Disability Anne Rabbitte in Budget 2023. Together with the rollout of pathways and initiatives for the management of headache, epilepsy and motor neurone disease, a total of over thirty new posts for specialist nurses in neurology services will be created this year.
The approval has been given to hospitals around the country this month to begin recruitment for these nurses who will provide critical support for people with a wide range of neurological conditions.
Speaking at the Oireachtas Committee on Health on May 17th, NAI Executive Director Magdalen Rogers highlighted that this allocation will bring the level of neurology nurse staffing in Ireland to little over half what is required.
"The priority in the immediate term is to recruit these nurses and establish appropriate training here in Ireland. The Irish Neurology Nursing Forum (INNF) which formed last October are working together with the National Clinical Programme in Neurology towards an education pathway for nurses entering into or currently working in neurology nursing roles.
The Neurological Alliance of Ireland want to warmly thank both our members and the outstanding individual patient advocates who took part in this campaign and all those who supported the campaign around the country"
NAI will announce details shortly of an event to mark the achievements of the campaign and provide further information to all stakeholders.