John Crown (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am very sorry I missed the presentation. I heard a quick report from the staff in my office. I was detained in the hospital this morning. I know the presentation was very moving and wish the family all the best.

One of the key issues in addressing head injuries is to have appropriate acute treatment to minimise the medical consequences when they occur. This country is a disaster for it; it is an absolute nightmare. I recently spoke to a neurosurgeon who is emigrating and who was unburdening himself of his concerns about the system. We should not have hospitals that are designated as trauma centres if they cannot deal with a head injury; it is that simple. Having people going from a roadside accident, an acute haemorrhage at home, an act of violence or a sport injury to a hospital which cannot deal with a head injury, and then awaiting acceptance and transfer to another institution is all wrong. This is a terrible system.

I have previously hinted about it before when I have said in this committee and in the House that we need a fundamental review of our neurological services. Sometimes the stuff that happens as a result of a head injury could have been ameliorated, prevented or reduced in its intensity, severity or consequences if it had been handled in a timely and expeditious fashion. I believe the system right now does not do that.