Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 June 2013
256. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health the measures he is taking to address the fact that we have the fewest rehabilitation consultants per capita in Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31285/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra267. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the reason persons have to wait over a year for a neurology appointment; the reason Ireland has the fewest rehabilitation consultants per capita in Europe; when the implementation plan for the neurorehabilitation strategy will be put in place; the support that is given to initiatives that can improve services for persons with multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31364/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 256 and 267 together.
Neuro-rehabilitation is part of the management of most neurological and neurosurgical conditions, particularly those that cause, or have the potential to cause, ongoing disability. Neuro-rehabilitation services are presently delivered across a range of settings, from acute hospitals and specialised neurorehabilitation centres, to primary and community settings, including home. Service user neuro-rehabilitation needs range from intensive, acute treatment at tertiary level through to long-term neuro-rehabilitation at community level. Improving access to outpatient services, including neurology, is a key priority for the Government. Collaborating with individual hospitals, the Special Delivery Unit (SDU) together with the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) and the Health Service Executive (HSE), have developed the outpatient waiting list minimum dataset that allows for data to be submitted to the NTPF from hospitals on a weekly basis and, for the first time, outpatient data are available on www.ntpf.ie. For 2013, a maximum waiting time target has been set of 12 months for a first time, consultant-led outpatient appointment and this is reflected in the HSE Service Plan for 2013. The SDU/NTPF will work closely with hospitals towards achievement of the maximum waiting time. The Department of Health and the HSE have developed and published the “National Policy and Strategy for the provision of Neuro-Rehabilitation Services in Ireland 2011-2015”. In addition, the HSE is developing its Rehabilitation Medicine Programme within the Clinical Strategy and Programmes Directorate. 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, including key elements such as guiding principles; implementation structure; methodology for implementation; and information and communication.
The Report recognises that given the current economic climate, the focus in the short to medium term has to be on re-configuration of services, structures and resources and the enhancement of the skills and competencies required to meet the changing context. The recruitment of additional consultants in rehabilitation medicine can only be considered in this context i.e. reconfiguring current services and available resources. The key priority areas, as identified in the HSE’s National Operational Plan for 2013 are to map and develop Integrated Service Area level rehabilitation networks and implement the model of care for rehabilitation services within the networks with a focus on community rehabilitation. Current provision for people requiring neuro-rehabilitation services, including those with multiple sclerosis, range from acute hospital services; the National Rehabilitation Hospital; multi-disciplinary community services; long-term assisted living supports; and rehabilitation training services. These services are provided directly by the HSE and several non-statutory organisations, including MS Ireland. The HSE provided over €2.6m to MS Ireland in 2012 towards the provision of services and supports. Neuro-rehabilitation services can be accessed through HSE local health offices.
