Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland, or MS Ireland as it is more commonly known, has set out a clear business case for the employment of nine physiotherapists, one in each of the HSE community healthcare organisation, CHO, areas. It has done so as a result of research and work done in the CHO 2 area where a physiotherapist is working. It is clear that the employment of a physiotherapist in that area has hugely helped all the people who have multiple sclerosis. We must remember that more than 9,000 people have MS in this country. This is about saving money, not costing money. If the scheme is introduced and one designated physiotherapist is appointed in each of the CHO areas, it will save approximately €19 million per annum.

Under the programme, approximately 1,400 people would participate in treatment in group physiotherapy programmes and another 3,700 people would have individual appointments each year. This would assist people with MS by providing them with a better level of care. A person who has MS has a higher tendency to fall and suffer injury. The cost of providing hip replacements for four people is the same as the cost of one physiotherapist. MS Ireland has clear evidence that its proposal would reduce the number of falls by up to 50%. It would also help people to be more proactive as regards their own care. Making sure people have the support they require would also help their mental health.

MS Ireland has produced a clear business plan for this measure. The total cost of employing nine people would be approximately €880,000. The current programme in the CHO 2 area is funded by MS Ireland. It believes its proposal could deliver a huge saving for the health service and assist up to 9,000 people across the country. I ask that the Department and HSE give serious consideration to the proposal. MS Ireland presented a very detailed business case. That now needs to be given consideration and the funding provided at an early date.

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