Mayo MND sufferers left waiting longer for treatment due to staffing shortages
Mayo patients suffering with motor neurone disease (MND) are unnecessarily left waiting longer for diagnosis and treatment.
That’s because the western regional centre for neurology, located in Galway, is short of special nurses.
The shocking situation has been highlighted by Deputy Alan Dillon.
The Castlebar-based TD said based on the catchment area, national and international guidance recommends that there should be 13 neurology nurse specialists in the region.
But there are only four - a shortfall of nine.
“Patients deserve better. The HSE must be given the additional resources and services for people suffering with motor neurone disease in the west of Ireland.”
Deputy Dillon said the silence of those living with MND is now speaking volumes.
He elaborated: “The voice of their struggle is becoming all the louder and significantly raising awareness of the issues that they face daily.
“As people prepare to gather at Mayo's Croagh Patrick and countless other hills and mountains around the country to climb with Charlie Bird on April 2, it is important to highlight the need to increase funding and support for those living with motor neurone disease.
“University Hospital Galway is the western regional centre for neurology but it is short nine neurology nurse specialists and people are unnecessarily waiting longer for diagnosis and treatment.
“The issue has to be addressed.”
Minister Eamon Ryan has given a commitment to raise the matter at Cabinet level. He said: “We have all been inspired by the bravery and strength of people such as Charlie Bird. That vision of going up Croagh Patrick is poignant and powerful. We wish him and everyone else involved well. I will raise it with government colleagues to see if there is anything we can do to help (as regards the western neurology centre).”
Another Mayo TD, Dara Calleary, has asked the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, if there will be provision in the 2022 HSE Service Plan to appoint extra neurology nurses at the facility in Galway.
In response, the minister said he has asked the HSE to respond to Deputy Calleary directly.