3-year appointment wait for neurology patients

PEOPLE suffering from Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and potential brain tumours are being forced to wait up to three years for an outpatient neurology appointment.

New HSE figures confirm that despite the severe damage which can be caused by the conditions, the health service is failing to ensure patients can immediately access publicly-funded treatment.

The statistics, revealed at the latest HSE South regional health forum meeting, show 59 patients at Cork University Hospital (CUH) are currently waiting at least two years for an outpatient consultant neurology appointment.

In one case, a patient has been told the wait will be more than three years.

In all, 2,719 people suffering from potentially serious conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, motor neuron disease or who are undergoing brain tumour management, have been told they face significant delays for treatment. This includes:

* 779 waiting up to three months;

* 588 waiting 3-6 months;

* 938 waiting 6-12 months;

* 262 waiting 12-18 months;

* 93 waiting 18-24 months;

* 58 waiting 24-36 months;

* and one patient waiting in excess of three years.

While “urgent” patient appointments at the hospital will be organised within three to four weeks, the average waiting time for a “routine” neurology appointment is a full year.

At the Mercy University Hospital (MUH), 108 people are waiting for outpatient neurology appointments — 29 for up to three months and 79 for between three and six months.

At this smaller facility, the average waiting time for an “urgent” appointment is seven days, with the average wait for a “routine” appointment is just 66 days.

In a statement, the HSE’s integrated service area manager for Cork, Ger Reaney said the fact CUH receives referrals from other hospitals and is the designated neuroscience centre should be factored into any criticism.

He added that further consultant neurologist appointments are being planned in an attempt to address the issue.

“The HSE’s national directorate for quality and clinical care has prioritised the approval of two further consultant neurologist posts and a consultant paediatric neurologist post in Cork.

“These extra specialists will work with the team to reduce the waiting lists to an acceptable level.”

The delays emerged just a fortnight after a new campaign was launched to force the next government to prioritise reform of Ireland’s neurology services.

Thinking Ahead is highlighting the fact that Ireland has the lowest number of neurologists and rehabilitation medicine consultants in Europe. The campaign is organised by the Neurological Alliance of Ireland.

* www.thinkingahead.ie