The Neurological Alliance of Ireland (NAI) is urging senators to support a motion being tabled in the Seanad this week to increase the  number of neurology nurse specialists nationwide.

Currently in Ireland, there is a shortage of 100 nurse specialists across neurology services. The motion, which is being tabled by the Seanad Independent Group, is calling on the Minister for Health to prioritise sufficient funding in Budget 2023 to provide for additional neurology nurses nationwide over a phased basis.

“We are calling on senators to support the motion being brought forward in the Seanad to increase the number of nurse specialists in neurology. There is a national shortfall of 100 nurse specialists, which is negatively impacting patients and increasing hospital waiting lists,” commented NAI executive director, Magdalen Rogers.

The NAI has been highlighting this issue as part of its ‘Patients Deserve Better’ campaign. It is calling for investment over the next five years to tackle this nursing shortage, which has already led to major access issues for many neurological patients. For example, just 21% of people with Parkinson’s disease currently have any access to a neurology nurse specialist.

The motion will be tabled in the Seanad at 6.45pm on June 22.

Ms Rogers said that the NAI has been “encouraged” by the strong levels of support it has received from politicians for its ‘Patients Deserve Better’ campaign.

“We are asking the Minister for Health to provide funding to increase the number of nurse specialists in neurology by 20 in Budget 2023,” she added.

The NAI brings together 30 non-profit organisations to advocate for the rights of 800,000 people in Ireland who are living with a neurological condition.

Neurological conditions affect the brain and spinal cord. They are the leading cause of disability worldwide and include many common conditions, such as stroke, dementia, migraine, epilepsy and acquired brain injury, as well as rare and genetic conditions. For more information on the NAI, click here.