The HSE has recently published an implementation plan for the National Strategy and Policy for the Provision of Neuro – Rehabilitation Services in Ireland. The National Neuro-Rehabilitation Strategy is a three-year framework to provide for the development of neuro-rehabilitation services across the country, 8 years after the launch of the original policy document. The framework outlines a 10-step plan to develop rehabilitation services at hospital and community level across Ireland.

Further details and a copy of the implementation framework can be found here:

https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/4/disability/neurorehabilitation/national-strategy-policy-for-the-provision-of-neuro-rehabilitation-services-in-ireland.pdf

It will be the responsibility of local implementation teams to develop community rehabilitation services within each community health organisation across the country, while inpatient and acute neuro-rehabilitation services will be developed in line with the National Trauma Strategy.

The Neurological Alliance of Ireland (NAI), the national umbrella body representing over thirty not for profit organisations working with people with neurological conditions and their families, have established the “We Need Our Heads Examined” campaign to call for action on neuro-rehabilitation. The NAI have warned that the plan will do nothing to improve access to neuro-rehabilitation services unless it is accompanied by dedicated investment to support documentation.

Ronan Hynes, Partner who acts for a number of individuals with brain injuries commented: “The publication of the implementation plan for the National Neuro-Rehabilitation Strategy is long overdue and most welcome. However, the success of the plan will be determined by a commitment from Government to provide funding to rollout implementation of the plan over the next three years. Ireland lags far behind its European counterparts when it comes to investment in neuro-rehabilitation services which is unacceptable. We need to develop acute inpatient rehabilitation services at both regional and national level, establish community-based outpatient rehabilitation teams, and, above all, invest in long-term rehabilitation specific services in the community to provide lifelong support to those who suffer with neurological conditions.”

For more information, please check out our Brain Injury Factsheet

‘Brain and Head Injury Fact Sheet’ or contact Ronan Hynes, or a member of our Serious Injury Team on 061 432 348 or by email at [email protected]