13.3.2023 Minister for Health Meets with Representatives from NAI's Patients Deserve Better Campaign
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly met with the NAI and patient representatives on March 9th, ahead of National Brain Awareness Week, and outlined his commitment to the development of a countrywide network of neurorehabilitation services.
Speaking with NAI Executive Director Mags Rogers, together with patient advocates Tony Wilkinson, Ivan O Regan and Caroline Leonard from the NAI's Patients Deserve Better campaign, the Minister highlighted his support for plans to develop networks of neurorehabilitation services from inpatient care all the way through to community. The Minister recognised the long delays in the implementation of the 2019 framework for the National Neurorehabilitation Strategy and the impact on neurological patients who, in the words of patient advocate Tony Wilkinson "are against the clock when it comes to the progression of their neurological condition and don't have time for delays".
He outlined that the funding of two additional community neurorehabilitation teams in Budget 2023, as well as 23 specialist neurology nursing posts announced by his party colleague Minister Anne Rabbitte in Budget 2023, represented "just the start" of a commitment to implement existing policy in order to address the needs of people living with neurological conditions. NAI flagged that their Pre Budget submission, which will be published in June, will seek further funding for neurospecialist services both in hospital and community.