Press Statement: Neighbourhood Model of Care

The Northern Ireland Neurological Charities Alliance welcomes the Department of Health’s new Neighbourhood Model as a step toward joined up, community based care. For people living with long term neurological conditions, the chance to access support closer to home rather than relying on overstretched hospitals is potentially life changing.

Chair Sarah McCully Russell shares “For too long, the neurology community has faced fragmented care and staggering wait times. The new model has the potential to offer proactive management in the community rather than a reliance on overstretched acute hospitals. However, a shift in geography must not dilute specialist expertise.

“Given that over 28,000 people are currently waiting for a first time Consultant Neurology appointment, the longest list of any speciality in Northern Ireland, it is essential that neurology is prioritised within this new model. We need to see specialist neurology support embedded at a community level to ensure patients can actually access the expert care they need. This transformation must be backed by a clear roadmap for workforce growth so that we are building the necessary capacity rather than simply redistributing existing pressures.

“The Regional Review of Neurology Services made it clear: we need growth, not just movement. It is vital that full implementation of that review remains a priority so that patients receive the specialist support they need alongside better local support.

“We welcome the opportunity to work with the Minister, the Department, and local partners to ensure the neighbourhood model delivers real, meaningful improvements. We look forward to collaborating on solutions that ensure the neurology community is no longer left waiting.”

#FightForNeuro