Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Health what measures are being taken to improve access to consultant-led neurology services in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.
Minister of Health: Investment has been allocated to Northern Trust to increase the consultant workforce by two consultant neurologists. This would have increased overall capacity to 2.5 whole-time equivalent (WTE) Consultant Neurologists. Despite two recent recruitment attempts, these posts have not yet been filled.
Current services are available via outreach consultant-led outpatient clinics, provided by Belfast Trust consultants. In addition, elements of the service are delivered by specialist nurses.
The Department’s Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) has been engaging with Northern Trust and other HSC Trusts to explore options to secure additional support for the Northern Trust.
My department is leading on the Regional Review of Neurology Services which is tasked with identifying the optimum configuration of neurology services for the next 10-15 years. Several workstreams have been established in priority areas including workforce, long-term and complex conditions, and care coordination with the aim to improve access.
ENDS
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