Longford-Westmeath Oireachtas members hear concerns of ‘postcode lottery’ in neurological care

Longford-Westmeath Oireachtas members hear concerns about ‘postcode lottery’ in neurological care at a pre-Budget event held last week at Buswells Hotel in Dublin.

The Neurological Alliance of Ireland (NAI), the national umbrella body for over 30 neurological organisations, 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.

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 Longford-Westmeath and other regions are not placed at a disadvantage when it comes to accessing these services.”

The Neurological Alliance is a coalition of neurological charities which advocates for developing and resourcing services across the spectrum of neurological diseases and neuro-disability. For more information visit: www.nai.ie.