Ms Magdalen Rogers:

There were multiple reasons, including Covid-19 and staff changing. The delays between the publication of the strategy in 2011 and the emergence an implementation framework in 2019 show that there is a lack of a sense of urgency around the implementation of this strategy.

While we have had engagement, there is a serious catch-up piece. I become anxious when I hear 2026 being mentioned, and a further three-year roll-out for this, with no good reason being offered as to why these teams should not be in place. It is important to remember that the community neurorehabilitation teams are just one aspect of the implementation of the neurorehabilitation strategy. There is also a critical need for in-patient rehabilitation services, and Dr. Pender can speak to that. However, there are very clear, doable recommendations which could be put in place and would make an enormous difference to people's lives, and their health within their communities, if the nine teams around the country were put in place as promised.