Government admits delay in filling neurologist gap

THE Government has admitted that it needs more time to address Ireland’s chronic shortage of neurologists — a problem first identified three years ago.

Junior Health Minister Tim O'Malley said that short-term measures were needed until the 2003 Comhairle na nOispidéal report is implemented.

Ireland has just 17 consultant neurologists, which is the lowest number in Europe and fewer than in developing countries such as Albania.

The 2003 report recommended doubling of the number of neurological posts at Cork University Hospital (CUH) and appointing three neurologists in Limerick and four in Waterford.

While a new neurologist is expected to take up a position at CUH in July, none of the other targets have been met, with no neurologists working out of Limerick or Waterford.

A new Comhairle report has been expected since March, but is yet to be published, with neurologists claiming it is being suppressed due to its controversial content.

According to Mr O'Malley, three new neurology units will commence development during 2006, in the mid-west, north-west and south-east regions.

"Reaching the full complement of consultant posts as recommended will take some time," he said.

"However, major improvements in patient care can be achieved in the short term, through a combination of additional consultant posts and the appointment of a number of clinical nurse specialists and allied health professionals."

He added that funding of €3 million has been set aside for neurology services as part of the 2006 estimates.

Audrey Craven, chairperson of the Neurological Alliance of Ireland (NAI), called on the Department of Health to ensure all necessary services are implemented.

"I'm happy to see that the Minister has shown an interest in the development of neurology services in Ireland, and I would call on him to expedite the improvements in the services," she said.

"When we met the Tánaiste last May we asked for appointments of clinical nurse specialists so I welcome his comments in this regard.

"The most important thing is to keep people in the community, and this will help us do this.

"However, the nurses must liaise with the consultant neurologists, otherwise they're working in a vacuum."

Targets in 2003 included 39 neurologists for the country one per 100,000 people yet the current number is less than half that.