Spinal Injuries Ireland welcomes the report launched today by the Neurological Alliance of Ireland highlighting the critical understaffing and under resourcing of neurology services throughout Ireland.
The NAI Report “Resourcing of Neurology Services in Ireland Five Years On 2015-2020” compares the findings of a nationwide survey of neurology centres in 2015 and 2020.
When compared with the 2015 survey, the 2020 findings indicate some progress in addressing regional gaps in consultant staffing but deterioration or little progress in the following areas in the last five years with most Centres reporting:
o A critical need to staff dedicated multidisciplinary teams in neurology particularly clinical nurse specialists.
o Limited or no access to both community and inpatient neurorehabilitation services compared to 2015.
o Insufficient numbers of inpatient beds or lack of ring-fenced beds for the neurology service.
o Waiting times for non-emergency MRI exceeding 12 with an increase in the proportion of centres reporting longer waiting times in 2020 compared with 2015.
‘The complete lack of community rehabilitation services is a constant theme by the users of SII services and we look forward to collaborating with the HSE and other community and voluntary services to address this need.’ stated SII CEO, Fiona Bolger
You can read the whole report by clicking on the cover below.
