Debate contribution: Neurology Services

Debate contribution by Mr Philip McGuigan on 9 December 2025.

MLA

Mr Philip McGuigan

Party at the time

Sinn Féin

Date

9 December 2025

Type

Debate contribution

Business

Private Members' Business

Heading

Neurology Services

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 5296299

Read the official Assembly record

Text

I begin by thanking the Members who tabled the motion and the amendment. We will support both. The regional review of neurology services was first launched in 2018 in response to serious concerns about service pressures, clinical governance and patient safety, following, as has been pointed out, the largest patient recall in the history of the NHS. Now, in 2025, with the publication of the final report, it is clear that neurology services remain under-resourced, understaffed and under substantial pressure. Waiting lists, both in numbers and length of wait, have reached unacceptable levels. That has led to inevitable delays in diagnosis, treatment, follow-up care and, potentially, missed opportunities for early intervention that, in some cases, have resulted in patients presenting to emergency departments in crisis. People living with neurological conditions and those presenting with symptoms deserve better; they deserve far better. The report identifies significant capacity constraints across the system that are compounded by fragmentation between primary, secondary and community care. That fragmentation creates gaps in services and inequitable access to timely neurological care across trust areas. The report also highlights the acute workforce shortages, including in consultant neurologist, specialist nurse, allied health professional and psychology roles. The findings echo the concerns that have been raised by patients, carers and advocacy groups. The 'My Neuro Survey 2024-25' provides stark evidence of the reality. Many people living with neurological conditions and their carers reported feeling unsupported by the healthcare system physically and mentally. Access to specialist services remains a major challenge. As has been pointed out, 82% of those who responded to the survey reported difficulty accessing inpatient neuro-rehabilitation; 80% reported difficulty accessing neuropsychiatry; and 71% reported difficulty accessing neuropsychology. Respondents raised concerns about insufficient time during appointments, a lack of continuity in the professionals whom they see, difficulty in accessing follow-up care and the additional financial burden of managing their condition, including the cost of transport, therapies, equipment and, in some cases, having to seek private healthcare. We are all aware that lengthy delays can lead to deterioration in physical and mental health, placing unnecessary strain on carers and limiting the ability of individuals and families to remain in employment or to participate in the activities that give their lives meaning. I have heard first-hand how living with a neurological condition can be life-altering, complex and unpredictable. Those conditions, which include MS, Parkinson's, epilepsy and migraines, to mention a few, can affect mobility, cognition, communication and emotional well-being not only for the individual but for their families and those who care for them. That is why it is vital that patients feel listened to and supported from the moment that symptoms emerge, regardless of which trust area they live in. It is clear that that is not currently the case. I acknowledge the important work of the Neurological Charities Alliance in the North, and I voice my support for its FightForNeuro campaign. Charitable organisations too often have to step in to fill gaps in statutory services, providing a lifeline for patients, carers and families. I thank Treasa and Bill, whom I met along with the Neurological Charities Alliance last week, for sharing their lived experience with me. Their personal accounts were deeply impactful, and I am grateful to them for sharing how they were diagnosed, the problems that come with their conditions and in accessing services in the health service and the impact that that has on their condition, their physical and mental health and their families. While I welcome the priorities and the associated recommendations outlined in the report on the review, particularly on person-centred care, expanding the neurology workforce, addressing gaps in existing services and making better use of current resources, I fully concur with the Members who moved the motion and the amendment. I ask for implementation without further delay of the recommendations in the report as well as any additional actions arising from the consultation process. That action is needed to restore trust and public confidence in our neurology services.

664 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

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Jev’s structured answers

Assessed 21 October 2026 at 14:08 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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