Five additional Consultant Neurologists and a clinical support member, are to be recruited to complete hospital-based neurology cover nationally, according to Health Minister, Stephen Donnelly.
He said this recruitment would be funded by the €2 million allocated for 2025 for the expansion of neurology services in our hospitals and in the community. This would result in an investment of €4 million in 2026.
The Minister said the additional consultants would 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 had also taken place.
Funding had also been confirmed for 2025 for further expansion of HSR 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 were being funded for 2025.
Minister Donnelly said, “In Ireland around one-in-six people has 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.
“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.
