Chair of the Cross Party Oireachtas Group on Neurological Conditions, Deputy Colm Burke, has shared a Statement for Support for the findings of the NAI report launched yesterday.
The NAI report, Towards an Equitable Integrated Neurology Service for Ireland, is based on extensive research which examines resourcing and access to care ten years on from the publication of the Model of Care for Neurology and calls for policy action and investment to tackle regional inequity, gaps in multidisciplinary care and staffing deficits within neurology services.
In his statement, Deputy Burke outlined
"The findings reinforce the need for immediate and coordinated action to deliver on commitments already made in national policy and within the Programme for Government. Investment in neurology services is not only a healthcare priority but a matter of equity and dignity for those living with neurological conditions and their families.
In response to this report, there must be renewed focus on:
-Delivering equitable access to multidisciplinary neurology services across all regions
-Addressing critical workforce shortages in neurology and neurorehabilitation
-Expanding community-based supports to ensure continuity of care following diagnosis
-Ensuring that Model 3 hospitals have appropriate neurology provision in line with the 2016 Model of Care
The experiences shared by patients and families in this report must serve as a call to action. It is essential that policymakers, healthcare leaders, and service providers work together to ensure that neurology services in Ireland are adequately resourced, accessible, and responsive to the growing needs of the population".
The full Statement is available to download below