New campaign launched for increased neurological services at Portlaoise hospital

A new campaign has been launched calling for increased neurological services at Portlaoise Hospital.

The campaign by the Neurological Alliance of Ireland is seeking funding for consultant neurologists in five regional hospitals across the country including Portlaoise, Bantry, Wexford,  Letterkenny and Mayo hospitals. 

They say patients in Laois with chronic long term neurological conditions are regularly travelling 75km to see their neurologist. 

Commenting on the situation a patient from Laois who is impacted said: "Since being diagnosed in the 1980s I have had to travel from Laois to Dublin for neurology services. The journey adds another layer of stress and fatigue."

The campaign is being launched as part of events nationwide to mark National Brain Awareness Week taking place throughout this week. 

"The need for a consultant neurologist to provide neurology services at Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise is recognised in the Neurology Model of Care and the local community should have these services as prolonged travel increases the cost of healthcare for patients and the provider," said a spokesperson for the campaign. 

"The HSE cites travel as one of the primary reasons for the ‘Did Not Attend’ rate, increasing waiting lists.
"Local neurology services reduce unnecessary admissions, length of stay and unnecessary testing.

"These patients, many of whom suffer from serious and disabling neurological conditions could be seen quicker and closer to home as promised in Sláintecare."

The public is being asked to contact Oireachtas members in their constituency to call for increased funding to address the issue. 

You can visit the campaign website www.patientsdeservebetter.ie and follow the campaign on social media #patientsdeservebetter.