AQW 29934/22-27

Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 04/07/2025
Answered On Date: 18/07/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of the recent report published by the Neurological Alliance that reveals (i) 64 per cent of people living with a neurological condition in Northern Ireland do not feel supported by the health system; (ii) 60 per cent are unable to get follow-up appointments when they need them; and (ii) more than half, 55 per cent, do not know who to contact when they need support for their neurological condition.

Answer:

I recognise that current pressures within Neurology mean that services are not as responsive as they should be. Many of the issues raised in responses from people in Northern Ireland to the Neurological Alliance’s ‘My Neuro Survey 2024’ are in line with the findings of my Department’s Regional Review of Neurology Services. A consultation on the final report of the Regional Review is currently underway.

The report of the Review identifies four priority areas to drive improvements in Neurology, underpinned by recommendations which, if implemented, will have a direct impact on the issues raised in the Neuro Survey. The report recommends that patients should have a designated point of contact. There are also recommendations for significant workforce growth to bring capacity in line with best practice guidance which will make services more responsive. The additional capacity will also support new ways of working, driving efficiency across Neurology.

I must be clear however that implementation of the Review’s recommendations will require significant additional investment with the report identifying a need for over £65m over the first five years of implementation. It is therefore likely that the pace of implementation, will be constrained by the current budgetary pressures faced by my Department.