Consultant neurologist approval for Mayo hospital
MINISTER of State Alan Dillon has confirmed the approval of a consultant neurologist and specialist nurse for Mayo University Hospital (MUH).
This development is part of the Department of Health’s initiative to expand neurology services as part of Budget 2025.
Said Minister Dillon, a long-time advocate for improved healthcare in the region: “This decision will provide critical support for patients with neurological conditions in Mayo. It will allow patients to access vital services close to home, reducing the need to travel to Galway for treatment.”
The Model of Care for Neurology Services in Ireland requires all Model 3 hospitals to have a neurology service.
“This expansion at MUH will align the hospital with these standards, providing much-needed care for local patients,” said Minister Dillon.
“This will be a very significant step forward for those living with a neurological diagnosis in Mayo, as they will be able to access vital services close to home.
“The Neurological Alliance of Ireland, with whom I have closely worked, made it clear that the lack of local neurology services places an undue burden on patients, many of whom must travel to Galway for treatment. Expanding these services at Mayo University Hospital will not only improve patient care but also enhance the hospital’s overall service offerings.”
In a separate statement, the Neurological Alliance of Ireland (NAI), the national umbrella body for over 30 neurological organisations, has welcomed the announcement today of the delivery of consultant neurology services in five regional hospitals in Letterkenny, Wexford, Mayo, Kerry and Portlaoise, as well as recent investment in Bantry General Hospital, by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly. This is in response to the NAI’s pre-budget ask to tackle regional inequity by providing access to neurology services across five regional hospitals.
The funding provided will support the recruitment of five additional consultant neurologists and a clinical support member.
The announcement comes as part of a substantial package of investment in services for people with neurological conditions.
This will include regional neurologists together with additional investment in community neurorehabilitation services, which are critical to supporting recovery and preventing further disability for people living with neurological conditions throughout the country.
Magdalen Rogers, executive director of the Neurological Alliance of Ireland. said: “This announcement by Minister Stephen Donnelly of such a significant programme of investment in neurology and neurorehabilitation services sends a strong signal of support to the over 860,000 people throughout Ireland who live with a neurological condition.
"We had identified five regional hospitals where there was no, or very limited, access to neurology services.
"This meant unacceptable journey times for patients and their families living in these regions, often over many years of living with a neurological diagnosis.
"We warmly welcome the minister's acknowledgment in his statement of the important work of the Neurological Alliance of Ireland.
"The announcement which will ensure that many more people with neurological conditions in Mayo and throughout Ireland will have access to the care they need, when they need it.”
The Neurological Alliance is a coalition of neurological charities which advocates for developing and resourcing services across the spectrum of neurological diseases and neuro-disability.
Together with partner alliances in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the NAI has recently launched the largest patient experience survey to date for neurological patients.