David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 157: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her Department's policy on stroke victims and persons who have suffered acquired brain injury; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24071/07]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department considers that there should be an over-arching policy framework to set out the broad policy guidelines for development of policy on cardiovascular health, including stroke. The Cardiovascular Health Policy Group (CHPG), chaired by Professor Hannah McGee, has been appointed by Minister Harney to develop this framework. The CHPG had its inaugural meeting on 19th September and is due to complete its work by the end of April 2008. In addition, a national audit of stroke services has recently been undertaken by the Irish Heart Foundation in association with the HSE with significant funding provided by my Department. A stroke strategy is currently being developed by the HSE. This is due to be finished by the end of this year.

In the last two years the Health Service Executive (HSE), and the voluntary sector funded by the HSE, have undertaken specific actions in regard to service provision for people with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), such as the expansion of neurological services and the planned development of the rehabilitation capacity in the National Rehabilitation Hospital and Merlin Park Hospital. The issue of ABI, and service planning and provision for people with ABI has been, and continues to be a matter for discussion and examination between my Department and the HSE.