New rehabilitation service to open for brain injury survivors in Mayo

Acquired Brain Injury Ireland (ABI Ireland) has announced new neuro-rehabilitation services for survivors of brain injury living in counties Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.

The services, funded in partnership with the HSE, will include the provision of expert rehabilitation in home and community settings and clinical psychology support.

A small team will be funded initially to establish the service in the area, with scope to expand over time.

Recruitment for staff is currently underway. All roles are advertised and open for application at www.abiireland.ie.

This announcement marks the latest development in ABI Ireland’s ongoing work to deliver equitable access to neuro rehabilitation for brain injury survivors, regardless of age or Eircode.

“For years, the west of Ireland - and counties Galway, Mayo and Roscommon in particular - has been a blackspot when it comes to the provision of neuro rehabilitation,” commented ABI Ireland CEO, Dr. Karen Foley.

“Following years of campaigning and advocating for the rehabilitation needs of people with brain injury in the region, we are delighted to share this good news and to begin the journey towards filling a significant gap in the neuro rehabilitation landscape in Ireland.”

Dr. Foley commended the HSE for its support of the new service: “The HSE understands the importance of and the need for specialist neuro rehabilitation, delivered as close to home for survivors of brain injury as possible. They also recognise the quality of the services we can deliver for all those navigating the long, often complex recovery pathway from hospital to home.

“We will continue to work with the HSE to build on the foundations now laid in the west of Ireland and to extend the breadth and depth of services in the years to come so that, ultimately, all survivors of brain injury in the county can realise their right to rehabilitation, under the UNCRPD.”

There is now substantial evidence to prove that early access to specialised neuro rehabilitation lessens the impact of an acquired brain injury and maximises the potential of the person. It also reduces the risk of prolonged hospital stays, inappropriate admissions of young survivors to nursing homes (as discussed in the Ombudsman’s 2021 Wasted Lives report), and decreases the burden of care on the family and the state.

Further information about the service and expected timelines for its commencement will be made available in the months ahead at www.abiireland.ie.