The Neurological Alliance of Ireland (NAI), the national umbrella body for over 30 neurological organisations, met with Roscommon-Galway Oireachtas members at a pre-Budget event held last week at Buswells Hotel in Dublin. Members raised concerns about a ‘postcode lottery’ where access to critical services is dependent on where you live. Representatives from Roscommon-Galway that attended the event included Denis Naughten TD.
Specifically, the NAI called attention to the lack of neurology services in regional hospitals; the two community neurorehabilitation teams promised in 2019 that are yet to be delivered; and further serious staffing shortages in two existing community neurorehabilitation teams. The organisation has two key asks for Budget 2025: Speaking at the launch, Magdalen Rogers, Executive Director of the Neurological Alliance of Ireland said, “The theme of our pre-Budget submission this year is ‘Right Place’, meaning that access to care should not depend on where you live in Ireland. “We’ve seen very welcome investment in recent years by this Government in neurology services and community neurorehabilitation teams but it is still falling short in meeting the needs of those living with a neurological condition in this country.
“It is critically important that people in Roscommon-Galway and other regions are not placed at a disadvantage when it comes to accessing these services.” Eamon McPartlin, a patient representative living with Function Neurolog.
