Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1024. To ask the Minister for Health his response to the new survey by the Neurological Alliance of Ireland which indicates major reductions in access to vital community services and benefits for persons with neurological conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13190/14]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1027. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the findings of survey by the Neurological Alliance of Ireland that found that of those surveyed in 2011, 9% could not access physiotherapy services; in 2014, 14% could not; that in 2011, 4% could not access respite care; in 2014, 25% could not; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13193/14]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1024 and 1027 together.

The Department has asked the HSE to provide the Deputy directly with details of the services it provides for people with neurological conditions. The HSE has made commitments in the 2014 Operational Plan to the implementation of the Neuro-Rehabilitation Strategy. A Steering Group has been established to guide the implementation of the Strategy and to ensure adequate links with the Clinical Rehabilitation Medicine Programme.

Waiting times, access, treatment and quality of care are a priority for reform for this Government despite budgetary constraints. The Government is determined to create a new health service that can better respond to the needs of the Irish people.

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1025. To ask the Minister for Health the progress that has been made in implementing the 2011 neuro-rehabilitation strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13191/14]

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1145. To ask the Minister for Health the position in regard to the implementation of the national neuro-rehabilitation strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13820/14]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1025 and 1145 together.

The Department of Health and the Health Service Executive have developed and published the National Policy and Strategy for the provision of Neuro-Rehabilitation Services in Ireland. The Report is the overarching policy on neuro-rehabilitation services and includes proposals for a framework for the future of neuro-rehabilitation services in Ireland. The Clinical Strategy and Programmes Directorate of the HSE provides a national, strategic and co-ordinated approach to clinical services. The Directorate operates a Clinical Programme in Rehabilitation Medicine led by a team of experts. The Rehabilitation Medicine Programme is working with the HSE to support the development of an implementation plan based on the recommendations of the Neuro-Rehabilitation Strategy.

A key part of this is the assignment of Regional Rehabilitation Medicine Consultants who will ensure that national best practice is implemented in each regional network, crossing the boundaries between acute and community services. The number of Rehabilitation Medicine consultants nationally has increased by four. Regional leads are being assigned.

The HSE has made commitments in the 2014 Operational Plan to the implementation of the Neuro-Rehabilitation Strategy. A Steering Group has been established to guide the implementation of the Strategy and to ensure adequate links with the Clinical Rehabilitation Medicine Programme.