Funding announced for additional consultant neurologists

The Government has confirmed €2 million funding for 2025 for the expansion of neurology services in hospitals and in the community.

The Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said the allocation will fund the recruitment of five additional consultant neurologists and a clinical support member, to complete hospital-based neurology cover nationally.

The additional consultants will be based in University Hospital Kerry, Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise, Wexford General Hospital, Mayo University Hospital and Letterkenny University Hospital

 “Our neurology model of care works towards increasing local and integrated neurology services, and I’m pleased to announce funding in Budget 2025 towards expanding services to parts of the country where patients currently face travelling long distances for neurology appointments,” said Minister Donnelly.

The Neurological Alliance of Ireland (NAI), the national umbrella body for over 30 neurological organisations, said it welcomed the announcement today of the delivery of consultant neurology services in five regional hospitals.

Ms Magdalen Rogers, Executive Director of the NAI said, “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 in these regions, often over many years of living with a neurological diagnosis.

“We warmly welcome the Ministers acknowledgment in his statement of the important work of the Neurological Alliance of Ireland. The announcement today…will ensure that many more people with neurological conditions throughout Ireland will have access to the care they need, when they need it.”