Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 3 December 2021
181. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the review of the Neuro-Rehabilitation Services in Ireland from Theory to Action Implementation Framework 2019-2021 and the development of the framework for 2022-2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59237/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraProgramme for Government – Our Shared Future’ includes a commitment for advancing neuro-rehabilitation services in the community. The Health Service Executive is leading on the implementation framework in respect of the recommendations of the National Policy and Strategy for the provision of Neuro-Rehabilitation Services in Ireland 2011-2015.
The overarching aim of the Strategy is the development of neuro-rehabilitation services to improve patient outcomes by providing safe, high quality, person -centred neuro-rehabilitation at the lowest appropriate level of complexity. This must be integrated across the care pathway, and provided as close to home as possible or in specialist centres where necessary.
These services should be configured into population based managed clinical rehabilitation networks (MCRNs). The MCRN, while an effective model in a number of European countries, is a new concept in Ireland. MCRNs are recognised as having the potential to bring together an appropriate range of primary, secondary and tertiary services to ensure equitable provision of high quality and clinically effective services.
The Neuro-Rehabilitation Strategy Implementation Framework (IF) from Theory to Action, was launched by the Health Service Executive in February 2019.
Considering the scale of fundamental change proposed, it was decided to advance a demonstrator project and funding became available for the demonstrator from Q4 2020, with full year funding available for 2021. The learning from the demonstrator project will inform implementation of the Neuro-rehabilitation Strategy across each CHO area.
As a review of the Implementation Framework relates to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to reply directly to the Deputy.
