Wicklow TD Jennifer Whitmore, who had been highlighting the urgent need for Community Health Organisation 6 (CHO6), which includes Wicklow, Dún Laoghaire and Dublin South East, to roll out a neurorehabilitation team, has welcomed news from the HSE that progress is being made on recruitment.
Deputy Whitmore said she has received confirmation from the HSE that positions for this team will be advertised this month, with the recruitment process taking place over the autumn with a view to establishing the Community Neuro Rehabilitation Team in early 2025.
“This is a very welcome and encouraging development for the families and patients who have been waiting so long for the establishment of this community-based service,” she said.
“We now have a clear timeline with a date set for the establishment of a Community Neuro Rehabilitation Team in Bray, which will service the needs of east Wicklow and south Dublin.” .
Recruitment for the planned CH06 (east Wicklow/south Dublin) neurorehabilitation team had been signed off on in May 2023, but was subsequently delayed by the HSE hiring freeze.
Following the end of this hiring freeze in July, Deputy Whitmore wrote to the HSE asking for an update on the status of the recruitment process. In a response from the HSE it was confirmed that following a consultation process with unions on these new development roles, recruitment for the team should commence in September.
“I would like to commend the Neurological Alliance of Ireland (NAI) on their tireless campaigning to see the establishment of community rehabilitation teams for neurological patients in Wicklow and across the country,” Deputy Whitmore continued.
“Their determination to ensure that this essential community healthcare service is available to patients will allow hundreds of people across Wicklow to access rehabilitation services following stroke and brain injuries as well as Parkinson’s patients and others in need of physical or speech therapy.
“I will continue to closely follow the progress being made on the establishment of the Community Neuro Rehabilitation Team in Bray and ask for regular updates on the early 2025 opening date.
“Ensuring that this team are in place as soon as possible needs to be a priority for the HSE so that neurological patients in Wicklow can receive the care and treatment that they need within their community.”
“I will also continue to advocate for the speedy establishment of a team for west Wicklow to ensure that this service is available for all who need it across Wicklow. This is a key priority of mine,” concluded Deputy Whitmore.
