Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 December 2017
487. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health if a model of care for a specialist rehab unit has been agreed; if a cohort of population for a specialist rehab unit has been identified; and if so, the details of both. [54042/17]
View answerThe Programme for a Partnership Government includes a commitment to publish "a plan for advancing Neuro-rehabilitation services in the community". The Health Service Executive (HSE) Social Care Division and the HSE Clinical Programme and Strategy Division are working in tandem to progress the implementation of the National Policy & Strategy for the provision of Neuro-rehabilitation services.
The HSE has established a National Steering Group to develop an Implementation Framework for the National Neuro-rehabilitation Policy & Strategy. Following a consultation process in 2016, the HSE has reconstituted the National Steering Group, which is now comprised of representatives across the whole health system including Heads of Social Care and the National Clinical Programme for Rehabilitation Medicine, Acute Hospital services, Mental Health, Primary Care and Health & Wellbeing, Health & Social Care Professionals and the Neurological Alliance of Ireland.
The focus of the HSE National Steering Group is to develop a framework which is implementable across the country. The Steering Group considers that a Managed Clinical Rehabilitation Network model represents best practice as a means of providing neuro-rehabilitation care and support/accommodation needs. A Working Group has been established to support the Demonstration project pilot site. The Working Group has drafted both Terms of Reference and an Implementation Framework.
The HSE's 2017 National Service Plan also contains a priority action to 'establish an innovative pilot day service aimed at supporting people with severe acquired brain injuries'. Work is in progress to complete the requirements of the Service Arrangement with An Saol, to source a service location and recruit necessary staff.
With regard to the related service matters raised by the Deputy, I have arranged for the Deputy's question to be referred out to the Health Service Executive, for a direct reply to the Deputy.
