Representatives from the Neurological Alliance of Ireland, the national umbrella body for over 30 neurological organisations, met with Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Anne Rabbitte, to welcome the announcement of an increase in 25 posts to further expand and develop community neurorehabilitation teams across Ireland.

Community neurorehabilitation includes specialist physiotherapy, speech and language and occupational therapy for people with a wide range of neurological conditions.

Minister Rabbitte met with patient and nursing representatives directly impacted by her investment in successive budgets in services to improve access to neurological care for the over 860,000 people throughout Ireland living with a neurological condition.

Speaking to patient and nursing representatives, Minister Rabbitte said, “I am deeply cognisant of the impact that a neurological diagnosis has, not just on the person themselves but on their family and our wider society. I have been determined throughout my tenure as Minister for Disability to take active steps to deliver on the Programme for Government commitment to implement the National Neurorehabilitation Strategy. We now have community neurorehabilitation teams actively recruiting across many parts of Ireland, including in the west and south of the country where these services are critically needed. People being discharged from hospital or living with a neurological condition in the community now have a service close to home, the right care in the right place. We also now have a network of specialist nurses in hospitals all across Ireland, as just one example we now have the first ever specialist nurse in place in Ireland for people with Huntington’s disease, and a second Huntington’s nurse currently being recruited for Galway University Hospital so that people throughout the west of Ireland can now avail of this specialist service.”

Magdalen Rogers, Executive Director with the Neurological Alliance of Ireland said, “We’ve seen a commitment by the Minister, and by this Government, to listen to the needs of people with neurological conditions in communities throughout Ireland. By investing in nursing, community neurorehabilitation teams as well as in the long term supports in the community provided by NAI member organisations, Minister Rabbitte has pioneered the delivery of care closer to their own homes in communities all across Ireland.”

Ann Lennon Bird, a family member impacted by Huntington’s disease, said “A diagnosis of Huntington’s disease has a life changing impact on the entire family. Having the first specialist nurses for people with Huntington’s disease in Ireland is already making so much difference, there is a single point of contact for expert advice, information and signposting. This service will also be available locally for people throughout the west of Ireland.”

The Neurological Alliance is a coalition of neurological charities which advocates for developing and resourcing services across the spectrum of neurological diseases and neuro-disability.