Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 31 March 2011
112 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans in respect of the need to improve neurological services throughout the country and in particular the south east; the average waiting times for inpatient and outpatient services in this area; the numbers of patients waiting for the services throughout the country and the length of time they have been on the list by region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6322/11]
View answerIn 2010 the Director of the Office of Clinical Strategy and Programmes in the HSE met the Irish Consultant Neurologists' Association (Neurology Faculty) to discuss how best to move neurological services forward in Ireland. Following discussions it was agreed to appoint a number of Neurologists to lead three key national programmes, giving neurological care a major focus in the HSE.
The first two national programmes are on stroke management and on epilepsy. Plans for epilepsy and stroke will include the development of protocols of care and delivery of expert care closer to people's homes as well as in the expert centres. The third national programme on access for neurology outpatients aims to provide standardised care for neurology patients and to increase access. This programme is in the process of recruiting 13 additional Consultant Neurologists / Consultant Neurophysiologists. The setting up of these programmes shows the importance that the HSE gives to neurological care and its commitment to improving access to neurological services.
Furthermore, the HSE has emphasised to my Department that all national programmes, including those concentrating on neurology, will have a focus on patient advocacy. These inter-related programmes aim to improve service quality, effectiveness and patient access and to ensure that patient care is provided in the service setting most appropriate to individuals' needs. I am being briefed by my Department and the HSE on these important clinical programmes and on the organisation of acute services in each region. In relation to the other issues raised, as these are service matters, they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
