A dedicated neurology delivery team and £2.3 million of recurrent annual funding has been announced to drive improvements in neurology services in Northern Ireland. 

An extra £2.3 million of recurrent annual funding has been allocated to increase neurology service capacity and begin reducing waiting lists in Northern Ireland. 

A dedicated neurology delivery team is also being established to support the implementation of the department of health’s neurology review and drive forward improvements in neurology services.

“For too long, many people living with neurological conditions have faced unacceptable waits for assessment and treatment, difficulties accessing specialist support and significant variation in the services available to them,” said health minister Robbie Butler. 

“This can no longer continue. The consultation responses, the work of the Regional Review and the powerful advocacy of patients, carers and voluntary sector organisations all point to the same conclusion: the case for reform is clear,” he added. 

Strategic leadership

The minister has instructed officials to establish a dedicated neurology delivery team, which will provide strategic leadership, programme management and oversight throughout the implementation of the review. The team will develop an implementation plan as an initial priority with clear milestones, deliverables and performance measures.

The department’s regional neurology alliance, established last year to provide regional oversight and coordination in response to immediate pressures in neurology, will be asked to identify how the additional funding can best be used to create capacity and address waiting lists, pending the establishment of the delivery team.

This will include consideration of relevant recommendations from the review.

“Through the funding secured, the work of the neurology delivery team and continued partnership with patients, carers, clinicians and stakeholders, we will take the first important steps towards delivering more responsive, equitable and sustainable neurology services for the people of Northern Ireland,” said Butler.