A new dedicated ward for neurology and neurosurgical services in Cork University Hospital will open in May 2012.
The development is the result of investment by the national clinical programme in neurology which has also secured thirteen new consultant neurologist posts. This will significantly increase the number of consultant neurologists working in Ireland.
NAI welcomes this news but has sought clarity on the timelines involved as these posts have been discussed for some time. The development in CUH represents an investment of €155,000 by the programme.
Beaumont Hospital has received an allocation of €704,000 for refurbishment and reequiping of a neurology ward under the programme.
The NAI recognises the potential of the programmes to significantly improve quality of life for people with neurological conditions in Ireland but stresses that the programmes have to have the resources to acheive change. "The rehabilitation clinical programme has no dedictated funding available" notes Chris Macey, Chair of the NAI. "This situation has to be addressed in 2013"