Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 March 2018
390. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health the role of his Department in terms of developing the implementation plan for the neurorehabilitation strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11677/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra391. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health the reason there is no representative from his Department on the national steering group to develop an implementation framework for the national neurorehabilitation policy and strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11678/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 390 and 391 together.
The Programme for a Partnership Government includes a commitment to publish "a plan for advancing Neuro-rehabilitation services in the community". The development of an implementation framework for the National Policy & Strategy for the provision of Neuro-rehabilitation Services in Ireland is a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE).
The HSE has established a National Steering Group to develop the implementation framework, comprising representatives from 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 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. The HSE’s Social Care Division and its Clinical Programme and Strategy Division are working in tandem to progress this.
The Department of Health is not directly represented on the National Steering Group as the development of the implementation framework is a service matter, in the first instance, for the HSE. However, the HSE keeps the Department informed of progress on an ongoing basis. Updates and briefings are provided and meetings are held, as and when required. The Minister is kept informed of all developments as part of ongoing reporting arrangements.
