Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has called on the Health Minister to make an urgent statement on actions to enhance the workforce with specialisms in neurology.

The call comes after the launch of the Neurology Now report, which shows neurology services in Northern Ireland are ‘close to breaking point’ with almost two-thirds of health professionals struggling to provide care. It added the impact of the pandemic had been ‘devastating’ for the speciality.

“Neurology affects as many people in Northern Ireland as cancer,” said Ms Bradshaw, who is Secretary of the Assembly All-Party Group on MS and Neurology.

“This alone demonstrates why so many people need swift and efficient access to specialist services and appropriate pathways.

“It was already the case the neurology workforce was under-resourced to meet this demand, but the pandemic has exacerbated this problem. There is too much pressure on too few people.

“I would urge the Minister to make a statement in response to the Neurology Now report, setting out urgent actions to address the shortage of neurology specialists on behalf of the tens of thousands of people in Northern Ireland who need more efficient access to services and support.”