Menu
20/12/2018
Review Launched Of Northern Ireland Neurology Services
The Department of Health (DoH) has launched a regional review of neurology services due to the "unacceptably long" waiting lists.
It follows the biggest recall Northern Ireland has ever seen, when over 3,000 patients of consultant neurologist Dr Michael Watt had their conditions and treatment plans reviewed.
The overhaul, which was announced on Wednesday 19 December, will identify the optimal service configuration for the neurology sector over the next 10 to 15 years.
Permanent Secretary of the DoH, Richard Pengelly said: "I recognise that neurology services have been under significant pressure for some time, and that waiting lists have become unacceptably long. This review will drive improvements both through the identification of initiatives which can be taken forward quickly, as well as the identification of longer term strategic reforms.
"The Department is committed to ensuring that the voice of service users and carers is central to the review. To that end, we will be working closely with the Northern Ireland Neurological Charities Alliance to design and deliver a programme of engagement to achieve this."
The changing demand will be addressed throughout the study with the hope of remodelling the service to improve the care delivered to neurology patients across the region.
It will also consider the feasibility of new innovative treatments and the scope for development of new clinical roles as well as the potential to develop the sector through joint services, delivered on a cross border basis.
The Review Team will be led by consultant neurologist Dr John Craig: "I very much welcome this review and the tremendous opportunity it brings to transform our services for patients, their families, and our staff. I am pleased to be leading the review and look forward to working not just with colleagues from across the whole service, but I am especially keen to work with those who use our services and so to ensure their voices are heard and are central to the future of neurology care in Northern Ireland."
Consideration will also be given to possible ways of improving how the sector is governed, and how the recall of Dr Watt's patients in the Belfast Trust can be learned from. Recommendations included in the report on outpatient services by the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority will also be implemented.
An interim report is expected by March 2019, along with an implementation and investment plan to be completed by June 2019.
(JG)
It follows the biggest recall Northern Ireland has ever seen, when over 3,000 patients of consultant neurologist Dr Michael Watt had their conditions and treatment plans reviewed.
The overhaul, which was announced on Wednesday 19 December, will identify the optimal service configuration for the neurology sector over the next 10 to 15 years.
Permanent Secretary of the DoH, Richard Pengelly said: "I recognise that neurology services have been under significant pressure for some time, and that waiting lists have become unacceptably long. This review will drive improvements both through the identification of initiatives which can be taken forward quickly, as well as the identification of longer term strategic reforms.
"The Department is committed to ensuring that the voice of service users and carers is central to the review. To that end, we will be working closely with the Northern Ireland Neurological Charities Alliance to design and deliver a programme of engagement to achieve this."
The changing demand will be addressed throughout the study with the hope of remodelling the service to improve the care delivered to neurology patients across the region.
It will also consider the feasibility of new innovative treatments and the scope for development of new clinical roles as well as the potential to develop the sector through joint services, delivered on a cross border basis.
The Review Team will be led by consultant neurologist Dr John Craig: "I very much welcome this review and the tremendous opportunity it brings to transform our services for patients, their families, and our staff. I am pleased to be leading the review and look forward to working not just with colleagues from across the whole service, but I am especially keen to work with those who use our services and so to ensure their voices are heard and are central to the future of neurology care in Northern Ireland."
Consideration will also be given to possible ways of improving how the sector is governed, and how the recall of Dr Watt's patients in the Belfast Trust can be learned from. Recommendations included in the report on outpatient services by the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority will also be implemented.
An interim report is expected by March 2019, along with an implementation and investment plan to be completed by June 2019.
(JG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 November 2024
Minister Lyons Highlights Northern Ireland's Engineering Heritage
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has praised the engineering heritage of Northern Ireland during a recent visit to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. A particular highlight of the visit was the Ferguson Black Tractor, a groundbreaking piece of machinery that revolutionised agriculture worldwide.
Minister Lyons Highlights Northern Ireland's Engineering Heritage
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has praised the engineering heritage of Northern Ireland during a recent visit to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. A particular highlight of the visit was the Ferguson Black Tractor, a groundbreaking piece of machinery that revolutionised agriculture worldwide.
18 November 2024
DAERA Minister Outlines Path To Net Zero For Northern Ireland
DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir, has outlined a roadmap for Northern Ireland to transition to a net-zero economy. Speaking at the 2024 Re[Act] Festival in Belfast, he emphasised the urgent need for ambitious climate action.
DAERA Minister Outlines Path To Net Zero For Northern Ireland
DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir, has outlined a roadmap for Northern Ireland to transition to a net-zero economy. Speaking at the 2024 Re[Act] Festival in Belfast, he emphasised the urgent need for ambitious climate action.
14 November 2024
Traffic Warning For South Belfast Ahead Of Northern Ireland Match
Road users are advised to plan for potential traffic delays in the south Belfast area on Friday, 15th November due to the UEFA Nations League football match between Northern Ireland and Belarus. The match will take place at Windsor Park, kicking off at 7.45pm, and it is expected that around 18,000 supporters will attend.
Traffic Warning For South Belfast Ahead Of Northern Ireland Match
Road users are advised to plan for potential traffic delays in the south Belfast area on Friday, 15th November due to the UEFA Nations League football match between Northern Ireland and Belarus. The match will take place at Windsor Park, kicking off at 7.45pm, and it is expected that around 18,000 supporters will attend.
01 August 2018
Department Of Health To Launch Review Of Neurology Services
The Department of Health is to launch a regional review of neurological services covering all neurology specialities. The review will entail a comprehensive review as part of the Department’s programme of service reviews, announced in 2016 by the former Health Minister in Health and Wellbeing 2026 'Delivering Together'.
Department Of Health To Launch Review Of Neurology Services
The Department of Health is to launch a regional review of neurological services covering all neurology specialities. The review will entail a comprehensive review as part of the Department’s programme of service reviews, announced in 2016 by the former Health Minister in Health and Wellbeing 2026 'Delivering Together'.
23 November 2006
Minister welcomes Bain report on legal services
The Finance Minister, David Hanson, has today promised that the government will consider carefully the recommendations of a report into the regulation of legal services in Northern Ireland. The report by the Legal Services Review Group, ‘Legal Services in Northern Ireland: Complaints, Regulation, Competition’ was published today.
Minister welcomes Bain report on legal services
The Finance Minister, David Hanson, has today promised that the government will consider carefully the recommendations of a report into the regulation of legal services in Northern Ireland. The report by the Legal Services Review Group, ‘Legal Services in Northern Ireland: Complaints, Regulation, Competition’ was published today.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
