Minister for Health confirms Budget 2025 funding for increased neurology services across the country.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has today confirmed €2 million funding for 2025 for the expansion of neurology services in our hospitals and in the community. This will result in an investment of €4 million in 2026.
The allocation provided will fund the recruitment of five additional consultant neurologists and a clinical support member, to complete hospital-based neurology cover nationally. The additional consultants will be based in University Hospital Kerry, Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise, Wexford General Hospital, Mayo University Hospital and Letterkenny University Hospital. A recent investment in services at Bantry Hospital in Cork has also taken place.
Funding is also being confirmed today for 2025 for further expansion of Health Service Executive Community Neuro-Rehabilitation Teams across the country, to help people after serious neurological illness or injury to improve health outcomes, reduce disability and improve quality of life. A total of 25 additional Whole-Time Equivalents are being funded for 2025.
Minister Donnelly said:
“In Ireland around one-in-six people have a neurological condition. This can vary from diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis to back pain, headaches, pinched nerves and stroke.
“Our Neurology Model of Care works towards increasing local and integrated neurology services, and I’m pleased to announce funding in Budget 2025 towards expanding services to parts of the country where patients currently face travelling long distances for neurology appointments.
“The funding will enable the recruitment of consultant neurologists in five hospitals and the required clinical support staff for each one, further expanding access to care for people who need these services.
“I’m also pleased to confirm funding for recruitment of an additional 25 Whole-Time Equivalents for the community neuro-rehab teams. These teams of nurses, physios, occupational therapists and health care assistants are providing more care in an integrated way closer to people’s homes.”
In advance of Budget 2025 the Minister met with the Neurological Alliance of Ireland, the national umbrella group for over 30 neurological organisations.
Minister Donnelly added:
“I’d like to acknowledge the role of the Neurological Alliance of Ireland for the work they do in representing patients across the country. The Alliance also works closely with the HSE in the development of services. I was pleased to listen to them in advance of the budget and I am sure that this announcement will be welcome for patients across the country.”
