Battle for neurologist in mid-west nears a conclusion

THE long battle to get a resident neurologist in the mid-west is nearing a successful conclusion with an appointment imminent according to the Health Service Executive.

At present, patients needing neurological services are looked after by a consultant who travels to the region for clinics every month.

Many patients have to travel outside the region to get an appointment with a neurologist.

The new position will cost €1.67 million yearly to finance a consultant and all the necessary back up staff and services.

Minister for Defence Willie O’Dea said yesterday: “I think we are nearly there and I am led to believe a neurologist will be taking up a position by September. It is very difficult to get a neurologist as there are not many of them around. The funding has been there for some time, but it was just a question of getting one to take up the position.”

A HSE Mid-West spokes- man said interviews for the position have been held.

He said: “We are awaiting the outcome from the Public Appointments Commission.”

Labour Deputy Jan O’Sullivan, who has been to the fore in the campaign for the appointment, having raised the matter in the Dáil, also welcomed the news.

She said: “In reply to my parliamentary question (last March), I was told that approval for the appointment of a consultant neurologist at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital was granted last December.

“Last March, a request was forwarded to the Public Appointments Service to advertise, recruit and select a suitable qualified candidate for the post. I was told that interviews for this post were scheduled for last April. I was told that the delay from the time of approval by the HSE to referral to the Public Appointments Service was due to approval which was required from both UCC and the Department of Health and Children.”

The mid-west branch of the Parkinson’s Association of Ireland have also been pressing for the appointment for a number of years.