Located in Rathgar, Dublin, the National MS Respite Centre has been a vital resource for individuals and families affected by MS. With the support of the HSE and Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, the Centre will now operate at full capacity, increasing its service provision by an additional 1,248 bed nights per year.
This expansion is made possible through an additional €250,000 in funding for September to December 2024, which will allow the Centre to remain open every weekend and on days following bank holidays, addressing a critical need in the community.
Minister Rabbitte, expressed her support for the initiative, stating, "This expansion represents a critical step forward in ensuring that people with MS and other neurological conditions have access to the care and respite they need. The National MS Respite Centre is an example of the kind of community-based, person-centred care that we are striving to make more available throughout Ireland."
The Minister reaffirmed the “importance of funding good respite services such as this one to be used at full capacity.”
The Centre, which currently operates with 12 ensuite accessible bedrooms, provides short-term respite, assessments, and a variety of services tailored to the complex needs of its residents.
The expansion will enhance the Centre’s ability to deliver high-quality care and support, easing the burden on family caregivers and helping to prevent crises by offering planned respite as an early intervention.
Recent statistics highlighted the increasing demand for respite services, with home support issues accounting for 29% of the challenges faced by those affected by MS. The expanded service provision will not only meet this growing need but also reduce the pressure on an already strained health service, aligning with the HSE Capacity Review, Sláintecare Report, and Neurorehabilitation Strategy.
MS Ireland CEO, Ava Battles, commented, "We are thrilled to see the National MS Respite Centre reach its full potential. This expansion is not just about increasing bed availability; it's about improving the quality of life for those with MS and their families. We are grateful for the government’s support in making this possible and look forward to continuing our work to support the MS community in Ireland."