Vol. 538 No. 3
249 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Health and Children the additional services which have been made available since 1998 in each of the health board areas for people with acquired brain injuries; the plans he has in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18175/01]
The information requested by the Deputy is not routinely gathered by my Department. As the provision of health related services to people with acquired brain injuries is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards in the first instance, I have asked the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards to provide information on these services and will provide the Deputy with the information required on receipt of same.
Individuals with an acquired injury form part of a larger client group, known as the "Young Chronic Sick". The need to provide "step down" rehabilitation services to deliver ongoing therapeutic programmes to the young chronic sick on discharge from acute hospital care or medical rehabilitation and specialised units to provide constant nursing care for individuals with severe acquired brain injury have been identified as a priority service for development.
Just over £92 million is being provided under the national development plan for services for people with physical and sensory disabilities over the years 2001-2006, including the development of "step down" rehabilitation and long-term care service for people with acquired brain injury.
The need for additional rehabilitation beds has been identified in the review of bed capacity. This review is at an advanced stage and the findings will be brought to Government in the near future. I accept that there is a need to provide facilities which can meet the needs of patients requiring access to rehabilitation services. These include selected groups with specific conditions, such as acquired brain injury, who require continuing care in a setting appropriate to their needs.
