Leitrim man leads the FND Ireland team giving first ever presentation to Oireachtas members on Functional Neurological Disorder

Eamon McPartlin from Manorhamilton, founder of FND Ireland, along with Dr Aoife Laffan, Consultant Neurologist, and Aimee Campbell, FND Awareness Ambassador, gave a presentation to Oireachtas members on Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) on April 17. 

The event was hosted in Leinster House by Senator Erin McGreehan as part of FND Awareness Month.

The event kicked off with a presentation from Dr Aoife Laffan, who is a co-founder of FND Ireland, explaining what FND is, a neurological condition that occurs when there is a problem with the functioning of the nervous system; this impacts how the brain and body send and receive signals. 

Although many people have not heard of FND, it has been reported as the second most common reason to see a neurologist as an outpatient, yet there is no dedicated HSE clinical pathway for FND.

International literature suggests that the development of an FND clinical pathway reduces repeat GP referrals to neurology and other clinics, repeat emergency department attendances and hospital admissions, and the inappropriate use of healthcare funding. 

Aimee Campbell presented the challenges of living with FND and how her life has changed from competing at the highest level in Irish Dancing to now being a wheelchair user. Aimee, who is paralysed in three limbs and has many complex care needs, gave an overview of her symptoms and the many hospital admissions she has had. 

She highlighted in particular how her functional seizures are different from epileptic seizures. Aimee outlined her struggles to access relevant support, having recently won her fight for homecare support after the HSE originally turned her down for not meeting the criteria. 

Aimee is delighted to be on board as FND Ireland Awareness Ambassador and is looking forward to working with Eamon and the team on our FND Awareness campaigns.

Eamon McPartlin, who also has FND, gave a brief introduction to FND Ireland, which is the first Irish registered not-for-profit organisation dedicated to advocating for and supporting those living with FND in Ireland. 

It is an entirely voluntary organisation headquartered in Leitrim, with a committed team. It requires funding to grow sustainably and extend its reach to the entire FND community in Ireland. 

Eamon outlined how FND Ireland will focus on six key areas: Support, Advocacy, Awareness, Information, Research and Collaboration. 

Eamon noted the many challenges faced by those living with FND in Ireland and asked all Oireachtas members in attendance to ensure that our Government urgently put funding in place to develop the HSE clinical pathway for FND and the multidisciplinary teams urgently required. 

Eamon and FND Ireland wish to thank Senator Eirin McGreehan for hosting the event and the many elected representatives who attended the presentation including local TD’s Marc McSharry and Frank Feighan. 

FND Ireland also wishes to thank Minister Anne Rabbitte for taking the time to attend and meet with the team. Eamon wants to give a special mention to Niamh Cummins, who also lives with FND and attends Mohill Community College.