The Neurological Alliance of Ireland (NAI) have launched their Neurorehabilitation Manifesto calling on the government to implement the current strategy and protect the funding for non-profits who provide rehabilitation services. MS Ireland, as a member of NAI, strongly supports the manifesto and will lobby the government throughout the year, particularly during European Brain Month, May 2013.
An NAI survey painted a grim picture of current neurorehabilitation services. It revealed that 71% of people with a neurological conditions couldn’t access any neuropsychology services at all, whilst for 68% physiotherapy and speech and language therapy were either inadequate or not available.
Person with MS Alexis Donnelly spoke at the event. Alexis fed into the original strategy and is dismayed that action has not been taken.
“I feel my continued existence is threatened if we do not invest now. If I deteriorate I will be in hospital more and both I and my wife would have to quit our jobs as she would have to care for me. Neurorehabilitation has long been the Cinderella of the healthcare system. It's about time Cinderella went to the ball.”
In 2011 the government published a neurorehabilitation strategy. However, that strategy has received no funding and no work has commenced to improve areas such as access to allied health professionals; community based services; appropriate housing, transport and education options; emotional support; and advice and information.
Non profits working with people with neurological conditions are key services providers, often filling the gap from state services. Many non-profits provide emotional support, information and advice, counselling, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, respite, vocational training, equipment rental schemes and other neurorehabilitation services that help people remain independent and active. The continued cuts to non-profits is threatening these services.
Other findings from the survey include:
• 80% couldn’t access adequate residential or day services
• 78% could not get proper counselling services
• More than half had no access at all to training or employment support
• Over three-quarters couldn’t get enough information or advice on how to access services or what their benefit entitlements were.
• 76% couldn’t access adequate occupational therapy services
On Wednesday the 27th of February NAI, MS Ireland and other member groups will be campaigning in Leinster House. On the same day we will also be kicking off our ‘Email Your TD’ campaign, encouraging members to highlight the issues and how to take action. Sign up for our newsletter for notification.
Read more about the manifesto and associated survey. http://www.nai.ie/go/campaign_centre/nai_campaigns/neuro-rehabilitation
(L-R) Chris Macy, Chairperson of NAI and head of Advocacy for the Irish heart Foundation, with Alexis Donnelly, member of MS Ireland and campaigner.