Debate contribution: Neurology Services
Debate contribution by Mr Alan Chambers on .
- MLA
- Mr Alan Chambers
- Party at the time
- Ulster Unionist Party
- Date
- 9 December 2025
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Private Members' Business
- Heading
- Neurology Services
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5296301
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I welcome the motion and the opportunity that it gives the House to debate an important part of our health service. There is no doubt that there are huge challenges in neurology; in that, neurology is similar to many specialties, but the challenges are particularly significant in that service. Regrettably, too many people across the health system have been waiting too long, but the waits are especially poor in neurology services; no one in the House could suggest otherwise. Those waits affect many thousands of people living with a wide spectrum of neurological conditions from Parkinson's to epilepsy, from multiple sclerosis (MS) to motor neurone disease (MND) and from functional neurological disorders (FNDs) to rare but devastating conditions such as Huntington's disease. Every one of those conditions brings its challenges and the need for timely specialist care. As in many specialties, there is a wide spectrum of patient impacts and outcomes. For someone living with emerging symptoms of a condition such as MS, the earlier the intervention, the greater the opportunities. Sadly, for those with Parkinson's or motor neurone disease, time is often not a luxury, so they really need specialist guidance and support urgently. The current provision is far from ideal. It was far from ideal five years ago, just as it was far from ideal a decade ago. Unfortunately, the neurology-related problems and pressures that we see on these shores are being experienced across the rest of the UK. While big problems persist, positive things are now happening. The publication of the evidence-based regional review of neurology earlier this year represented the most comprehensive assessment of neurology services undertaken in Northern Ireland. Crucially, it placed the voice of patients and carers at the core of its recommendations. I especially welcome the review's insistence on person-centred care. As MLAs, we are regularly and understandably on the front line hearing about what, patients feel, works or does not work well in our health service, and lived experiences of poor diagnostic and treatment pathways are part and parcel of that. It is clear to me that too many people living with neurological conditions feel that they are navigating the system alone, and, as with many other health-related journeys, that can often be a scary or intimidating experience. I fully support putting patients at the centre, ensuring that they have access to reliable information and providing a designated point of contact. The review also shone a bright light on the workforce crisis that opened up many years previously. We currently operate with only a fraction of the necessary consultant, nursing and AHP workforce. I therefore fully support the latest renewed emphasis on having a workforce that is fit to meet our significant needs. This time, it feels different. Of course, more staff alone will not fix everything, but more staff will allow us to provide the multidisciplinary service that reflects the complexity of neurological care. At last, there is a road map that reflects the full complexity of neurology. As I have often heard the Minister say, an action plan is more valuable than a lengthy strategic document any day. What patients and staff need and deserve now is clarity on how and when the improvements will be implemented. Whilst funding or the lack thereof may be a big barrier to achieving all that is possible, I am pleased that there are other measures that do not have a financial price tag but will deliver improved patient care and experiences. I commend the work that has been undertaken, especially in recent months, and I urge us to continue with that progress at pace. With commitment, investment and partnership, we can build neurology services that meet the needs of the people whom they serve.
621 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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