Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 May 2017
201. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health when a consultant specialising in headache and migraine pain management will be appointed to Beaumont Hospital in view of the fact that there are approximately 2,500 persons on the waiting list to see such a specialist and in further view of the fact that these persons have been left some 18 months without progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25256/17]
View answerI acknowledge that waiting times are often unacceptably long and I am conscious of the impact of this on people’s lives. Reducing waiting times for the longest waiting patients is one of this Government's key priorities.
The National Clinical Programme for Neurology (NCPN) Model of Care document recommends an increase in the number of consultant neurologists, nurse specialists, including clinical nurse specialists, and other health care professionals which would address waiting time issues. The programme also proposed implementation of these recommendations over a period of 5 years. This will significantly improve the access for all Neurology patients.
The Model of Care was launched by the Director General of the HSE on the 27 September 2016 and the HSE is now working towards its implementation.
In response to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
