Motion

Motion TitleAddressing the Crisis in Neurology Services

Motion TextThat this Assembly expresses grave concern at the crisis facing neurology services in Northern Ireland; believes it is unacceptable that almost 20,000 people are still waiting on a first-time consultant appointment, with a further 11,000 overdue a review appointment; highlights recent statistics indicating that over three quarters of neurology patients surveyed in Northern Ireland had experienced delays accessing services or reported worsening mental health, and that half felt unsupported after their diagnosis; further believes that systemic delays in diagnosis and care are resulting in poorer outcomes and quality of life for those with neurological conditions, whilst placing unacceptable pressures on the existing health workforce; is alarmed that it is five times more common for patients presenting to emergency departments with a neurological condition in Northern Ireland to be admitted to a hospital without a dedicated neurology service than in England; calls on the Minister of Health to address underfunding of, fragmentation between, and critical workforce shortages within neurology services throughout Health and Social Care Trusts; and further calls on the Minister to publish an implementation plan for the recommendations contained in the Regional Review of Neurology Services without further delay.

Motion CategoryPrivate Members' Motion

Date Tabled to Business Office25/11/2025

Date Selected By Committee25/11/2025

Date of Plenary Debate09/12/2025