Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

349. To ask the Minister for Health when he will publish an implementation plan for the National Policy and Strategy for Neurorehabilitation Services in Ireland 2011-2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44318/15]

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

379. To ask the Minister for Health why the strategy on neuro-rehabilitation services 2011 to 2015 ends in December 2015 with nothing delivered, not even an implementation plan, for the more than 25,000 people with neurological conditions such as acquired brain injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and stroke who need rehabilitation services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43807/15]

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

385. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the national strategy for neuro-rehabilitation services and if he will provide an implementation plan for the services and increase the number of community teams in neurological services. [43828/15]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

387. To ask the Minister for Health why the strategy on neuro-rehabilitation services 2011 to 2015 concludes this month with nothing delivered; why there has not even been an implementation plan for the more than 25,000 persons with neurological conditions such as acquired brain injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and stroke who need rehabilitation services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43835/15]

Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

393. To ask the Minister for Health why the national strategy for neuro-rehabilitation services to provide a national framework to address the needs of thousands of persons living with neurological conditions such as stroke, acquired brain injury, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease has not published an implementation plan or provided one additional community team since the strategy was published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43844/15]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 349, 379, 385, 387 and 393 together.

The report "National Policy & Strategy for the Provision of Neuro-Rehabilitation Services in Ireland 2011 - 2015", made a number of recommendations for services for people with rehabilitation needs including clinical, therapeutic, social, vocational and community supports. Following the development of the report, the Health Service Executive (HSE) established the Rehabilitation Medicine Clinical Programme. The scope of the Programme covers the whole of the patient journey from self-management and prevention through to primary, secondary and tertiary care. This provides a national strategic and co-ordinated approach to a wide range of clinical services. The Programme includes the standardisation of access to and delivery of, high quality, safe and efficient hospital services nationally, as well as improved linkages with primary care services. The Rehabilitation Medicine Clinical Programme is nearing completion of a Model of Care for the provision of specialist rehabilitation services in Ireland, which will be the basis for the delivery of services.

The HSE Disability Services Division has a role in certain key aspects of Neuro-Rehabilitation Services, primarily the provision of community-based therapy services and personal social services. The Disability Services Division will use the recommendations of the Value for Money and Policy Review of Disability Services to focus on Disability funded rehabilitation services and enable reconfiguration of existing provision through establishment of demonstration sites. Close links will be maintained with the Rehabilitation Medicine Clinical Programme to ensure that there is no duplication of effort and that all initiatives receive optimal support. Demonstration sites have been identified by Disability Services and mapping has commenced.

A National Steering Group, chaired by the Health Service Executive Social Care Division, has been assigned the task of developing an implementation framework for the National Policy and Strategy for Neuro-Rehabilitation Services. The Steering Group includes representation from the National Clinical Programmes for Rehabilitation Medicine and Neurology, the Department of Health, Primary Care, Therapy Professions and the Neurological Alliance of Ireland. Once the implementation framework has been agreed by the Steering Group, it will then go for consultation to the wider stakeholder interest groups. Following consultation, the framework will be revised and it will guide and oversee the reconfiguration and development of neuro-rehabilitation structures and services at national and local level.

The HSE is very aware of the needs of people with neurological conditions and will continue to work towards improved services, making best use of available resources in the interests of all those who require supports.

I have referred the element of the Deputies' questions regarding community teams to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputies. If the Deputies have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, they can contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE.