Billy Kelleher
Question:1025. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made in implementing the 2011 neuro-rehabilitation strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13191/14]
View answerTuesday, 25 March 2014
Questions (1025, 1145)
Terence Flanagan
Question:1145. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the position in regard to the implementation of the national neuro-rehabilitation strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13820/14]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1025 and 1145 together.
The Department of Health and the Health Service Executive have developed and published the National Policy and Strategy for the provision of Neuro-Rehabilitation Services in Ireland. The Report is the overarching policy on neuro-rehabilitation services and includes proposals for a framework for the future of neuro-rehabilitation services in Ireland. The Clinical Strategy and Programmes Directorate of the HSE provides a national, strategic and co-ordinated approach to clinical services. The Directorate operates a Clinical Programme in Rehabilitation Medicine led by a team of experts. The Rehabilitation Medicine Programme is working with the HSE to support the development of an implementation plan based on the recommendations of the Neuro-Rehabilitation Strategy.
A key part of this is the assignment of Regional Rehabilitation Medicine Consultants who will ensure that national best practice is implemented in each regional network, crossing the boundaries between acute and community services. The number of Rehabilitation Medicine consultants nationally has increased by four. Regional leads are being assigned.
The HSE has made commitments in the 2014 Operational Plan to the implementation of the Neuro-Rehabilitation Strategy. A Steering Group has been established to guide the implementation of the Strategy and to ensure adequate links with the Clinical Rehabilitation Medicine Programme.