Community neurorehabilitation team ‘urgently needed’ for County Kildare

Neurological patients in Kildare are being failed by the current shortfall in community neurorehabilitation teams in Ireland.

That’s according to the Neurological Alliance of Ireland (NAI) who launched a new campaign today seeking commitments from elected representatives and the HSE to tackle the absence of a community neurorehabilitation team in Community Healthcare Organisation (CHO) Area 7, which includes Kildare services.

There are only two community neurorehabilitation teams in Ireland, despite nine teams being required, which is outlined in the Implementation Framework (2019 to 2021) for the National Neurorehabilitation Strategy; this means that only 15 per cent of neurological patients in Ireland have access to teams that provide vital care to support their recovery.

In CHO Area 7, which includes Kildare, West Wicklow, Dublin West, Dublin South City and Dublin South West, funding was provided for a team as far back as 2018 but there has been a delay to date in establishing any team on the ground.

Speaking at the launch, Magdalen Rogers NAI Executive Director, said: "Once a person receives a diagnosis of a neurological condition, they need to be supported in their recovery and the management of their condition. That’s what a community neurorehabilitation team does.

"It brings together health care professionals from a range of disciplines such as an occupational therapist, a speech and language therapist, a physiotherapist and a clinical psychologist to enable a person living with a neurological condition to live well."

Ms Rogers continued: "For every euro spent on a community neurorehabilitation team, the health service saves 11 euro. 

"Having these teams in place is vital in reducing the length of stay and delayed discharges and therefore freeing up beds in acute hospitals.

"The support of neurorehabilitation teams is also proven to prevent unnecessary admissions to hospitals and improves the overall well-being and quality of life of patients with a range of neurological conditions.

"We have estimated that having these vital teams in place could save up to 42,000 bed days annually."

She concluded her point by calling on elected representatives in Kildare and the HSE to commit to delivering these services: "There is still no funding in place for a team in the CHO 4 region... having a team in place here would have a significantly positive impact on the lives of those living with neurological conditions in Kildare, West Wicklow, Dublin West, Dublin South City and Dublin South West."

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FIRSTHAND TESTIMONY

Speaking at the campaign launch, Niamh McCarron, a woman from Rathfarnham who is living with Multiple Sclerosis, described her experience with the condition: "I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2010. I’ve been lucky enough that my condition has been very manageable.

"However, with a degenerative condition, it is inevitable that in the future I will require the support of a community neurorehabilitation team."

Ms McCarron added: "Unfortunately, there is no support available in my community, and early intervention is crucial in managing the disease.

"With a team in place within the community, people with Multiple Sclerosis can take ownership of their care and receive timely access to rehabilitation services.

"We shouldn’t have to fight for these services; we need our represented electives and the HSE to take action now."

The Patients Deserve Better campaign brings together over 22 non-profit organisations working with people with neurological conditions. 

The campaign is a joint initiative brought to you by NAI and Roche Products (Ireland) Limited.

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FURTHER DETAILS

The Neurological Alliance of Ireland (NAI) brings together 30 non-profit organisations to advocate for the rights of 800,000 people in Ireland living with a neurological condition.

Neurological conditions affect the brain and spinal cord.

They are the leading cause of disability throughout the world and include many common conditions such as stroke, dementia, migraine, epilepsy and acquired brain injury as well as rare and genetic conditions. 

Founded in 2003, the NAI advocates for the development of quality services for people with neurological conditions. 

Further information is available at www.nai.ie and www.patientsdeservebetter.ie.

WHAT IS A CHO?

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has established nine Community Healthcare Organisations (CHOs) across the country as a new means of delivering health services in 2015.

CHOs are community healthcare services outside of acute hospitals, such as primary care, social care, mental health, and other health and well-being services.  

These services are delivered through the HSE and its funded agencies to people in local communities, as close as possible to their homes.

In each CHO, a Chief Officer will lead a local management team which focuses on all of the specialist services in their area.

NATIONAL STRATEGY:

National Strategy & Policy for the Provision of Neuro-Rehabilitation Services in Ireland can be downloaded from hse.ie.