Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2011
355 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health if he envisages the introduction of a neurological care programme along the lines suggested by the Neurological Alliance of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16192/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Clinical Strategy and Programmes in the HSE has established three key national programmes in relation to neurological care which shows the HSE's commitment to improving access to neurological services and gives these services a major focus in the HSE.
The first programme deals with neurology out patient departments and aims to provide standardised care for neurology patients and to increase access so that patients will not wait more than 30 days for an appointment. The programme is due to establish referral guidelines and encourage the increased use of neurolink. The second programme deals with epilepsy services and aims to introduce rapid access clinics to assist with admission avoidance and reduce the number of attendances to emergency departments. The third programme deals with stroke services and aims to establish robust clinical governance systems for stroke care, including local stroke teams and regional stroke networks.
I welcome the action plan for neurological care by the Neurological Alliance of Ireland, which emphasises the importance of neurological care and raises many issues that these Neurology programmes will address, including a comprehensive plan for improving neurological care including acute services and increasing staffing.
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 believe that the clinical programmes being developed by the HSE are vital to ensuring the most appropriate organisation of acute services.
356 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a breakdown by county of the number of youths the Health Service Executive has funded to go to an inpatient rehabilitative centre (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and the costs of same. [16199/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
