A new survey by the Neurological Alliance of Ireland (NAI) has shown major reductions in access to vital community services and benefits for people with neurological conditions.
The Government has committed to implementing the 2011 neuro rehabilitation strategy but, three years on, there is no plan in place, campaigners say. The alliance has called on the Government to look at the human and economic benefits of prioritising investment in community services for those with neurological conditions.
Over 700,000 people in Ireland are affected by neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, stroke and brain injury.
The survey – of 601 people living with conditions including stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease – found that 46 per cent worried about future health cuts.
“Apart from their human impact, there is growing evidence that it is cheaper to provide community services for people with neurological conditions,” said alliance chairman Chris Macey.
Some 42 per cent of respondents with neurological problems have had their medical card withdrawn, while 50 per cent of those who applied for a medical card were refused.
Vital services
The survey shows the increase in those who cannot access vital services. In 2011, 9 per cent could not access physiotherapy services; in 2014 14 per cent could not. In 2011, 4 per cent could not access respite care – in 2014, 25 per cent could not.
Alexis Donnelly, an assistant professor of computer science at Trinity College Dublin and member of the working group that produced the neuro rehabilitation strategy document, said the HSE had failed to act on its own report.
“The stress levels of people with neurological disorders is rocketing because they aren’t getting the rehabilitation they need and they do not know what is coming down the line.”
Mr Donnelly, who has multiple sclerosis, said the benefits of neuro-rehabilitation services “pays for itself several times over”. He pointed to research which show the economic benefits of Governments investing in the health sector and the counterproductive effect that further cuts will have.
“The HSE says it is practising evidence-based medicine but perhaps it would consider evidence-based economics.”