Assembly Debate on the Crisis in Neurology
On 9 December 2025, the Northern Ireland Assembly held a crucial debate on the state of neurology services, shining a spotlight on the growing crisis faced by tens of thousands of people living with neurological conditions. The debate exposed the stark reality of a system under immense strain, with unacceptable waiting times, workforce shortages, and fragmented care leaving many patients feeling abandoned and unsupported.
💬 The Power of Lived Experience
The debate was opened by DUP MLA Dianne Dodds, who shared that she had called the motion as a direct result of attending niNCA’s #FightForNeuro launch and hearing the lived experiences of the neurological community. Support for the motion came from all parties, as well as from Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, all of whom leaned heavily on the briefing prepared by niNCA and the lived experience evidence gathered by the organisation.
📢 The Minister’s Response
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt acknowledged the severe challenges faced by neurology services and expressed his commitment to improving outcomes for people living with neurological conditions. However, he also highlighted the significant financial constraints facing the Department of Health, which are delaying the immediate implementation of recommendations from the Regional Review of Neurology Services.
🗳️ The Motion Was Agreed
The motion was unanimously agreed upon, and the Assembly has now formally called on the Health Minister to:
Address underfunding, fragmentation, and critical workforce shortages across neurology services.
Recognise the dangerous waiting times and the impact these are having on people’s physical and mental health.
Acknowledge the pressure on overstretched clinicians.
Publish an implementation plan for the Regional Review of Neurology Services without further delay.
🌟 A Milestone Moment for the Neurology Community
This debate was a significant milestone for the neurology community. MLAs from all parties came together to call for urgent action, showing that the voices of patients, carers, and charities are being heard loud and clear.
It was also a major win for niNCA, ensuring that the voices of people living with neurological conditions were at the heart of the conversation.
Taking place on the final sitting day of 2025, the debate marked the culmination of months of hard campaigning.
