Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 May 2012
186 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a progress report on the national policy and strategy for the provision of neuro-rehabilitation services in Ireland 2011 to 2015. [23486/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast December, I welcomed the publication of the National Policy and Strategy for the provision of Neuro-Rehabilitation Services. The report recognises that given the current economic climate, the focus in the short to medium term has to be on reconfiguration of services, structures and resources and the enhancement of the skills and competencies required to meet the changing context.
The Strategy is focused on the specific needs of those with neurological illness or injury outside of stroke. Five of the more common neurological conditions were selected for detailed review and analysis in the report. The five conditions selected were:
acquired brain injury (other than stroke);
cerebral palsy;
multiple sclerosis;
idiopathic Parkinson's disease and
spinal cord injury.
The HSE is committed to the implementation of the recommendations of the National Policy and Strategy and to achieve the objectives of the Rehabilitation Medicine Clinical Programme which aims to: improve the quality of care; improve access to services and improve cost effectiveness. In this regard, both clinical and executive leads have been assigned and a national working group comprised of a team of experts has been established.
The HSE National Service Plan for 2012 outlines the focus for service development as follows:
The development of Regional Networks and local rehabilitation teams;
Development of regional in-patient and out-patient rehabilitation facilities;
Integration of services;
Development of protocols that will have mandatory compliance across the delivery system;
Reconfiguration of existing resources;
Achieving greater cost-effectiveness through the development of greater competencies by those tasked with delivering services;
Increased teamwork and using interdisciplinary approaches; and
More inter-agency collaborative working.
Key to the success of these developments will be 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 four regional leads have been assigned, however, it should be noted that these are not new posts and the task has been taken up by existing Consultants. There is now a clear policy with a recommended service framework, that, when implemented, will ensure that Neuro-Rehabilitation services are developed for those we serve in the most appropriate, effective and efficient way. I know that with the commitment of the Health Service Executive and service providers to the implementation process, we can achieve improved rehabilitation services for those persons with a neurological illness or injury or with a significant physical disability.
