Community neurorehabilitation team ‘urgently needed in Dublin’

Neurological patients in Dublin are being failed by the current shortfall in community neurorehabilitation teams in Ireland.

That’s according to the Neurological Alliance of Ireland (NAI) who launched a new campaign today seeking commitments from elected representatives and the HSE to tackle the absence of a community neurorehabilitation team in CHO Area 7, which includes Dublin services.

There are only two community neurorehabilitation teams in Ireland, despite nine teams being required which is outlined in the Implementation Framework (2019-2021) for the National Neurorehabilitation Strategy.

This means that only 15% of neurological patients in Ireland have access to teams that provide vital care to support their recovery.

In CHO Area 7, which includes Kildare, West Wicklow, Dublin West, Dublin South City and Dublin South West, funding was provided for a team as far back as 2018 but there has been a delay to date in establishing any team on the ground.

Speaking at the launch, Magdalen Rogers NAI Executive Director, said: “Once a person receives a diagnosis of a neurological condition, they need to be supported in their recovery and the management of their condition.

“That’s what a community neurorehabilitation team does. It brings together health care professionals from a range of disciplines such as an occupational therapist, a speech and language therapist, a physiotherapist and a clinical psychologist to enable a person living with a neurological condition to live well.”

As well outlining the positive impact a community neurorehabilitation team can have on a patient’s recovery, the NAI presented a clear economic rationale for urgently establishing the teams in the seven CHOs that do not have a team in place.

“For every euro spent on a community neurorehabilitation team, the health service saves 11 euro. Having these teams in place is vital in reducing the length of stay and delayed discharges and therefore freeing up beds in acute hospitals.

“The support of neurorehabilitation teams is also proven to prevent unnecessary admissions to hospitals and improves the overall well-being and quality of life of patients with a range of neurological conditions. We have estimated that having these vital teams in place could save up to 42,000 bed days annually.

“We are calling on elected representatives in Dublin and the HSE to commit to delivering these services for the people of Cork.

“There is still no funding in place for a team in the CHO 4 region. Having a team in place here would have a significantly positive impact on the lives of those living with neurological conditions in Kildare, West Wicklow, Dublin West, Dublin South City and Dublin South West.”

At the campaign launch, Niamh McCarron, from Rathfarnham, who is living with Multiple Sclerosis described her experience, “I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2010. I’ve been lucky enough that my condition has been very manageable.

“However, with a degenerative condition, it is inevitable that in the future I will require the support of a community neurorehabilitation team.

“Unfortunately, there is no support available in my community, and early intervention is crucial in managing the disease.

“With a team in place within the community, people with Multiple Sclerosis can take ownership of their care and receive timely access to rehabilitation services.

“We shouldn’t have to fight for these services. We need our represented electives and the HSE to take action now.”

Doctor Kenny, Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist at Peamount Hospital also spoke at the online launch event today.

The Patients Deserve Better campaign brings together over 22 non-profit organisations working with people with neurological conditions.

The Patient Deserve Better campaign is a joint initiative brought to you by NAI and Roche Products (Ireland) Ltd.