NAI launch report "The Future for Neurological Conditions in Ireland"

Charities call on HSE to establish a National Programme For Neurological Care

From left: Taragh Donohue (MS Ireland), Mags Rogers (NAI Development Manager), Anne Winslow (Chair of NAI), Minister Mary Harney, Laura Keane (Chair of Editorial Committee), Aisling Farrell (Brainwave The Irish Epilepsy Association) and Ann Keilthy (Parkinsons Association)

"The Future for Neurological Conditions in Ireland: A Challenge for Healthcare; an Opportunity for Change, An essential guide to neurological care in our health services", a report published by NAI, the Neurological Alliance of Ireland, was launched in Dublin on Tuesday, 29th June by the Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney TD, who has also contributed the foreword to the report.

Ireland is facing a crisis in neurological care, according to this landmark report published by the Neurological Alliance of Ireland (NAI), the national umbrella group of over 30 charities working in the neurological field.

Over 700,000 Irish people, 17% of the population, are living with neurological conditions such as stroke, epilepsy, acquired brain injury, multiple sclerosis, dementia and Parkinson's disease. This report, sees leading neurospecialists, academics and health organisations unite to provide an essential guide to neurological care in our health system. It highlights that immediate steps are needed now to address decades of underinvestment and the ongoing lack of planning in this area.

Launching the report, the Minister for Health and Children congratulated the NAI on this unique initiative and its continued key role in informing the debate on neurological care in Ireland. She firmly supports the role of clinical leadership in driving change within the health services and is encouraged that neurology is taking the lead in this area. She pointed to a key step for improving neurological care in Ireland through the forthcoming publication and implementation of the National Neurorehabilitation Strategy. She spoke of her commitment to improving healthcare for the thousands of people affected by neurological conditions and the real potential for the Irish health system to deliver this.

The launch of the report marks the start of VOTE FOR THINKING AHEAD, a nationwide campaign by the NAI and its member charities, calling on the HSE to put in place a National Programme for Neurological Care. Members of the public are encouraged to join the campaign by signing the petition on www.nai.ie or for more information go to www.disability-federation.ie/index.php

A copy of the full report and more information is available on the NAI website, www.nai.ie or for more information, phone 01-8724120 or email naiireland@eircom.net.