Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 March 2017
235. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the full year cost and make up of a community neuro-rehabilitation team and all supports required for the team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12593/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra236. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the full year cost and make-up of a dedicated acquired brain injury transitional unit and intensive rehab post acute in order to enable persons to return home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12594/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 235 and 236 together.
The Health Service Executive's (HSE's) National Service Plan for 2017 contains a priority to finalise and progress implementation of the framework for the Neuro-Rehabilitation Strategy. Full implementation of the Strategy will, of necessity, be a longer term project. The Department of Health has agreed with the HSE that the focus initially will be on implementation in the community, which is in keeping with the Programme for Government commitment.
The HSE has committed to undertake a mapping and gap identification exercise for the country as a whole in order to establish a clear picture of where specialist rehabilitation services are currently being delivered and where the demands are for these services. The HSE's Social Care Division and the Rehabilitation Medicine Clinical Programme will work together to form an action plan, under the HSE's Clinical Strategy and Programme Division. A National Steering Group made up of stakeholders representing all interested parties will be responsible for the governance and implementation of the action plan.
In terms of capital developments, the priority at the present time is the delivery of the replacement accommodation at the National Rehabilitation Hospital. Procurement of the contractor has commenced and it is projected that the contractor will be appointed in Quarter 2, 2017.
Moving forward, it is acknowledged that further investment in rehabilitation services at acute hospital, post-acute and community level is required to meet the ongoing needs of clients all across the country.
As the Deputy's questions relate to service matters, I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive for a detailed, direct reply to the Deputy.
