Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

This report was commissioned by the former Midland Health Board and was completed during the period of transition to the new Health Service Executive structure. A multidisciplinary project team, including voluntary and statutory groups and clients and carers of people with an acquired brain injury, was established to examine the community-based health service needs of people with this condition.

Following receipt of the findings of the project team, a development officer was appointed to carry out a more detailed needs assessment and to formulate a development plan. The development officer submitted her report in April 2005. The HSE has since contracted the Peter Bradley Foundation to provide a service for people with acquired brain injury in the midland region and has set up a forum for information sharing with the chairperson of BRÍ, the Acquired Brain Injury Advocacy Association. The service includes access to a neurophysiologist, an occupational therapist and rehabilitative assistants. This is in addition to the usual services available to people with disabilities.

Discussions on the creation of a national strategy for the development of neurological rehabilitation services are taking place between my Department and the HSE. The report in question will contribute to this process.

See this speech in context