Better for Patients

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Better for Patients

How will this benefit patients?

Access to a Consultant Neurologist should be equally distributed across the country and the care you receive should not depend on where you live². The Neurology Model of Care recommends that all 5 of these hospitals should have a Consultant Neurologist to support local neurology services². At present patients are travelling on average 60 – 112km to receive care¹, which has a considerable negative impact on them and the health system:

The effects of travelling for services

Increased Costs

Prolonged travel increases the cost of healthcare for patients and the provider³

Increased Waiting Lists

The HSE cites travel as one of the primary reasons for the ‘Did Not Attend’ rate, increasing waiting lists⁴

Unnecessary Admissions

Local neurology services reduce unnecessary admissions, length of stay and unnecessary testing⁵

Patient Quotes

"Having a local neurologist in Donegal would be a game-changer. The burden of travelling long distances for appointments adds an extra layer of stress to an already challenging journey"

"Having access to neurology services here in Donegal would benefit me greatly as it would cut out long car journeys to Sligo (139kms/2hrs in both directions)."

"I cannot over emphasise the importance of having a neurology service in Bantry hospital. It would significantly cut down the travel times for neurology patients accessing important services. I have a 160km return journey to travel for treatment in Cork. These journeys compound the fatigue and stress that already affects people with neurological disorders."

"Early morning clinic @ 9am means 6am departure, this in turn is a 4.30am wake up. 1hr 40mins without traffic or 2hrs 30 with.”

"Imagine saying goodbye to long journeys, having an accessible neurology service on your doorstep in Wexford could make a huge difference to so many people myself included. "

"Since being diagnosed in the 1980 s I have had to travel from Laois to Dublin for neurology services. The journey adds another layer of stress and fatigue."