Galway neurology services fall well short of the mark
There are almost 3,000 Galway patients on the neurology outpatient waitlist – with GUH having no dedicated physiotherapy, OT, speech and language, or dietetics for neurology patients.
That’s according to the Neurological Alliance of Ireland, which has launched a major report revealing that patients in Galway face some of the most significant barriers to care in the country yesterday.
Data for GUH reveals that there are 2,975 people are currently on the neurology outpatient waitlist.
It also pinpoints a shortage of consultant – because there are currently ‘fewer than ten’ when 14.5 consultants are recommended for the region, and the West/North West region faces a shortfall of 32 inpatient neurorehabilitation beds.
Overall, the Neurological Alliance of Ireland report shows that these gaps in neurology services across Ireland are impacting over 860,000 people – equivalent to one in six of the population – who are living with a neurological condition and facing increasing barriers to timely diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care.
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There are over 24,000 people waiting for an outpatient neurology appointment, according to National Treatment Purchase Fund figures, with more than 4,000 waiting over 18 months.
The number of people on a waiting list to see a neurologist has almost doubled over the past ten years, reflecting what Magdalen Rogers, Chief Executive of the Neurological Alliance of Ireland, sees as both rising demand and the impact of an ageing population.
“This report confirms what patients and families have been telling us for years – access to neurology services is inconsistent, under-resourced and, in many cases, simply not meeting needs,” she said.
With one in six people in Ireland living with a neurological condition, this is not a niche issue – it is a major public health challenge
“With one in six people in Ireland living with a neurological condition, this is not a niche issue – it is a major public health challenge.
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“We are encouraged by the Government’s commitment to a hub-and-spoke model, but it is critical this is delivered with urgency and backed by the necessary investment in staffing and infrastructure. Patients cannot afford to wait any longer.”
The Neurological Alliance of Ireland brings together 40 non-profit organisations to advocate for the rights of the over 860,000 people throughout Ireland living with a neurological condition.
And the NAI has issued a set of key recommendations that would see the delivery of equitable neurology services across all hospitals, including full services in Model 3 hospitals.
It also wants to see the Government address critical staffing shortages, particularly in specialist nursing and multidisciplinary teams – and invest in neurorehabilitation and long-term community supports
The organisation has welcomed the Minister for Health’s commitment to developing a hub-and-spoke model for neurology services, aligned with the Programme for Government’s pledge to increase the number of neurologists and specialist nurses.