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- Only 15% of neurological patients nationally have access to vital care services.
Neurological patients in Cork are being failed by the current shortfall in community neurorehabilitation teams in Ireland. That’s according to the Neurological Alliance of Ireland (NAI) who launched a new campaign today (21.02.2023) seeking commitments from elected representatives and the HSE to tackle the absence of a community neurorehabilitation team in CHO Area 4, which includes Cork services.
There are only two community neurorehabilitation teams in Ireland, despite nine teams being required which is outlined in the Implementation Framework (2019-2021) for the National Neurorehabilitation Strategy. This means that only 15% of neurological patients in Ireland have access to teams that provide vital care to support their recovery.
CHO Area 4, which includes Kerry, North Cork, North Lee Cork, South Lee Cork and West Cork, is the catchment area for Cork University Hospital which is both a national neuroscience centre and a designated major trauma centre. Despite this, the dedicated neurorehabilitation team promised in 2019 has yet to be delivered.
Speaking at the launch, Magdalen Rogers NAI Executive Director, said:
Once a person receives a diagnosis of a neurological condition, they need to be supported in their recovery and the management of their condition. That’s what a community neurorehabilitation team does. It brings together health care professionals from a range of disciplines such as an occupational therapist, a speech and language therapist, a physiotherapist and a clinical psychologist to enable a person living with a neurological condition to live well.
As well outlining the positive impact a community neurorehabilitation team can have on a patient’s recovery, the NAI presented a clear economic rationale for urgently establishing the teams in the seven CHOs that do not have a team in place.
Ms Rogers continued:
For every euro spent on a community neurorehabilitation team, the health service saves 11 euro. Having these teams in place is vital in reducing the length of stay and delayed discharges and therefore freeing up beds in acute hospitals. The support of neurorehabilitation teams is also proven to prevent unnecessary admissions to hospitals and improves the overall well-being and quality of life of patients with a range of neurological conditions. We have estimated that having these vital teams in place could save up to 42,000 bed days annually.
We are calling on elected representatives in Cork and the HSE to commit to delivering these services for the people of Cork. There is still no funding in place for a team in the CHO 4 region. Having a team in place here would have a significantly positive impact on the lives of those living with neurological conditions in Kerry, North Cork, North Lee Cork, South Lee Cork and West Cork.
At the campaign launch, Ivan O’Regan, from Blarney, who is living with Parkinson’s disease described his experience:
Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease was a massive shock, and I had no idea where to turn for help. Unfortunately, there is no local support available, and early intervention is crucial in managing the disease. With a team in place within the community, people with Parkinson’s can take ownership of their care and receive timely access to rehabilitation services. We shouldn’t have to fight for these services. We need our represented electives and the HSE to take action now.
Professor Aisling Ryan, Consultant Neurologist at Cork University Hospital and Dr John MacFarlane, Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine at Mercy University Hospital also spoke at the online launch event today.
The Patients Deserve Better campaign brings together over 22 non-profit organisations working with people with neurological conditions. The Patient Deserve Better campaign is a joint initiative brought to you by NAI and Roche Products (Ireland) Ltd.
About the Neurological Alliance of Ireland
The Neurological Alliance of Ireland (NAI) brings together 30 non-profit organisations to advocate for the rights of 800,000 people in Ireland living with a neurological condition.
Neurological conditions affect the brain and spinal cord. They are the leading cause of disability throughout the world and include many common conditions such as stroke, dementia, migraine, epilepsy and acquired brain injury as well as rare and genetic conditions.
Founded in 2003, the NAI advocates for the development of quality services for people with neurological conditions. Our campaigns are rooted in the experience of our members and the people and families with whom they work. We provide a united and expert voice on neurological care through research, advocacy, policy development, and education.
Further information is available at www.nai.ie and www.patientsdeservebetter.ie.
What is a CHO?
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has established nine Community Healthcare Organisations (CHOs) across the country as a new means of delivering health services in 2015. CHOs are community healthcare services outside of acute hospitals, such as primary care, social care, mental health, and other health and well-being services. These services are delivered through the HSE and its funded agencies to people in local communities, as close as possible to their homes. In each CHO, a Chief Officer will lead a local management team which focuses on all of the specialist services in their area.
National Strategy
National Strategy & Policy for the Provision of Neuro-Rehabilitation Services in Ireland can be downloaded from hse.ie here.