The new service will work closely with HSE primary care and disability services, the HSE Managed Clinical Rehabilitation Networks for Neurorehabilitation, and community-based exercise providers. This integrated approach will help people living with acute and progressive neurological conditions to access specialist physiotherapy and remain as physically active and independent as possible within their communities.
Physiotherapy is an essential part of living well with a neurological condition. Evidence shows that access to specialist physiotherapy can improve physical and mental wellbeing, support independence and mobility, and help reduce reliance on other health services.
The new service will be developed around the needs of people living in South West Dublin and will include both individual physiotherapy and physiotherapist-led group programmes.
Speaking at the announcement at the MS Ireland Care Centre, Ava Battles, CEO of MS Ireland, said:
“This is a significant milestone for MS Ireland and for people living with neurological conditions in South West Dublin. For many years, we have advocated for the development of nine senior physiotherapy posts nationally, building on the highly valued and successful specialist physiotherapy services already operating in the West and Midwest.
“Access to specialist neurological physiotherapy can make an enormous difference to a person’s mobility, independence, confidence and overall quality of life. We are delighted that this new service will now bring that expertise to more people in the community and will work alongside existing HSE neurorehabilitation services.”
MS Ireland is very grateful to Dr Aoife O’Donoghue, Assistant National Director for Access and Integration within Disability Services, Transformation and Programme Coordination in the Health Service Executive, and Ciara Lynch, HSE Programme Manager for the Neurorehabilitation Strategy and Managed Clinical Rehabilitation Network, for their support in securing funding for the post.
MS Ireland looks forward to working in partnership with the HSE and demonstrating how this specialist service can complement and strengthen the work of the Community Neurorehabilitation Team in South West Dublin.