AQW 22201/17-22

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 10/09/2021
Answered On Date: 23/09/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of the gap between demand and capacity for neurology services now and into the future.

Answer:

The Regional Review of Neurology Services is tasked with identifying the optimum configuration of neurology services for the next 10-15 years. This work includes the development of a Public Health Needs Assessment which indicates that demand for outpatient appointments is in the region of 18,500 per year but capacity is currently limited to 12,000.

In this context, the Review is considering a range of options to address the gap including medical workforce development, greater support for primary care and the development of a Specialist Neurology Nursing Workforce.