Report highlights effects of cuts on neurology services

People with severe brain conditions are five times less likely to be able to access help now than they were three years ago as a result of the Government’s ongoing austerity policies.

A major report on Ireland’s neurological services made the claim yesterday, warning “everywhere” is a black spot when it comes to accessing the care people need.

According to a nationwide review by umbrella group the Neurological Alliance of Ireland, services for the vital sector are being repeatedly cut back to save money.

Despite official insistence that the issue is a priority, the group said services have slumped dramatically since its last report in 2011 — the same period as a 2011 to 2015 Government plan to address the problem has failed to be implemented.

According to the NAI report, which is based on the views of 601 people with Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and other debilitating conditions:

-25% of patients cannot access respite care, compared to just 4% three years ago, while 70% said they have to fight to receive help;

-13% cannot access speech and language therapy, compared to 5% in 2011 (55% said it was a struggle);

-13% are being blocked from receiving aids and appliances such as wheelchairs, compared to 9% three years ago;

-24% have no access to psychology services, compared to 16% in 2011;

-20% cannot access specialist nurse care in the public system, compared to 11% three years ago.

The report also found that, while Health Minister ames Reilly has repeatedly claimed the medical card system has not been altered, 43% of those surveyed have had their medical card taken off them since 2011 — despite suffering illnesses that will only get worse.

It said half of new card applicants have been refused, contributing to two out of every five people living with a brain condition having to go private in order to receive life-changing care.

The survey found 82% of people questioned have been affected by increased drug costs since 2011, while 68% have witnessed cuts to their mobility allowance and 64% to their home care packages — services which are key to continued independence.

A further 59% of those surveyed said they have been told to accept significant cuts to their home help hours, while some 54% said the same situation was occurring in HSE transport services.

Hitting out at the situation, Alexis Donnelly — a 53-year-old father who has battled the most serious form of multiple sclerosis for 23 years — said he is “ashamed” to say that he contributed to the Government’s 2011-2015 strategy.

“Basically, nothing has happened since [it was published],” said Mr Donnelly.

“All over the country, the coverage is very patchy. In the south, west, north, people are just not getting access.”

NAI chairman Chris Macey said the reality is that, despite Government promises, “everywhere in the country is a black spot” when it comes to neurological care services.

While commending a number of politicians with a personal connection to the issue for attending the report launch — including senators Jillian van Tournhout and Marie Moloney, and TDs Denis Naughten and Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin — he said long-standing inaction by senior officials is destroying the lives of the most vulnerable in society.