An extra £2.3million of recurrent annual funding has been
allocated to increase neurology service capacity and begin
reducing waiting lists, Health Minister has announced.
A dedicated Neurology Delivery Team is also being established to
support the implementation of the Department's Neurology Review
and drive forward improvements in neurology services.
The Minister set out the measures aimed at improving outcomes for
patients with neurological conditions via a Written Ministerial
Statement to the Assembly, as he published the outcomes of the
Regional Review of Neurology Services Consultation.
The Minister said: For too long, many people living
with neurological conditions have faced unacceptable waits for
assessment and treatment, difficulties accessing specialist
support and significant variation in the services available to
them.
This can no longer continue. The consultation responses,
the work of the Regional Review and the powerful advocacy of
patients, carers and voluntary sector organisations all point to
the same conclusion: the case for reform is clear.
I am therefore endorsing the overall strategic
direction set out in the Review report and am determined that
progress begins now."
To drive implementation of the Review, the
Minister has instructed officials to establish a dedicated
Neurology Delivery Team, which will provide strategic leadership,
programme management and oversight throughout the implementation
of the Review.
The Delivery Team will develop an implementation plan as an
initial priority with clear milestones, deliverables and
performance measures.
The Minister also announced £2.3 million of recurrent funding
each year through the Department's Elective Care Fund.
The Minister added: While I am unable to commit the
level of funding required to fully deliver all of the Review's
recommendations given the extreme financial pressures facing the
Health and Social Care system, I am pleased to announce an
additional £2.3million of recurrent funding each year from my
Department's Elective Care Fund, to increase neurology capacity
and begin to reduce waiting lists."
The Department's Regional Neurology Alliance, established last
year to provide regional oversight and coordination in response
to immediate pressures in Neurology, will be tasked with
identifying how the additional funding can best be used to create
capacity and address waiting lists, pending the establishment of
the Delivery Team.
This will include consideration of relevant recommendations from
the Review.
The Minister concluded: Through the funding secured,
the work of the Neurology Delivery Team and continued partnership
with patients, carers, clinicians and stakeholders, we will take
the first important steps towards delivering more responsive,
equitable and sustainable neurology services for the people of
Northern Ireland."
Notes to editors:
- Former Health Minister announced a public
consultation on the final report of the Regional Review of
Neurology Services in May 2025. The Department hosted a number
of public engagement events to support the consultation at
several locations across Northern Ireland.
- The Consultation Analysis Report, including next steps for
implementation of the Review's recommendations, can be read in
full here: www.health-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2026-10/doh-regional-review-neurology-services-consultation-analysis-report-october-2026.PDF
- The Minister's Written Ministerial Statement can be read in
full here.
- The Minister paid tribute to all those who contributed to the
consultation process, including people living with neurological
conditions, their families and carers, clinicians, professional
organisations, voluntary and community sector organisations and
members of the public.
