Seanad debates

Thursday, 23 June 2016

10:30 am

Photo of Maura HopkinsMaura Hopkins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I raise the important issue of rehabilitation services. This morning, I attended a launch of a campaign by the Neurological Alliance of Ireland under the title "We need our heads examined" - and we do. I joined my colleagues, Senator Maria Byrne and Deputy Maria Bailey, to support health care professionals, patients and families who are fighting for better quality rehabilitation services. Every year, 25,000 people need rehabilitation services for neurological conditions such as stroke, acquired brain injury, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. There are major gaps in the service, which is underresourced and underfunded.

Three steps must be taken. First, proper inpatient rehabilitation facilities are required to allow patients to gain timely specialist access to rehabilitation. Second, better and properly resourced community rehabilitation teams are needed because the current teams are ad hocand fragmented. Third, long-term rehabilitation-specific services are required to help people who are coping with a long-term disability. I stand with the Neurological Alliance of Ireland in calling for better rehabilitation health services for everyone.

Action must be taken on foot of the neurorehabilitation strategy published in 2011. I ask that the Minister for Health, Deputy Simon Harris, address the House on this important issue. Significant improvements have been made in acute care services and further improvements are also needed in rehabilitation services.

With regard to services in the west, the rehabilitation unit planned for Roscommon hospital must progress as quickly as possible. I ask that a project team be appointed without delay to progress this plan and ensure the needs of those who require rehabilitation services, many of whom do not have a voice, are met.They are trying to cope with their illness or disability and we need to advocate on their behalf. I am doing so and will continue to do so until we see action.

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