Campaigners Demand Urgent Reform as Neurology Services in Crisis

Neurology services in Northern Ireland are facing a significant crisis, with more than 40,000 individuals living with a long-term neurological condition and nearly 20,000 awaiting their first appointment. Campaigners are set to convey this urgent message to the Health Minister at Stormont on Monday, as they call for immediate reform and investment in the failing system.

The Northern Ireland Neurological Charities Alliance (niNCA) is launching their #FightForNeuro campaign to highlight the dire consequences of years of underfunding and rising waiting lists. Patients and their families are increasingly feeling abandoned and unsupported, with many losing hope for timely care. The situation is described as unsustainable, prompting calls for urgent action to address the deteriorating standards of care.

Since the launch of the Regional Review of Neurology Services by the Department of Health in 2018, conditions have worsened. Evidence gathered by niNCA from 270 patients and caregivers illustrates the crisis, revealing that 76% of respondents experienced delays in accessing services. Alarmingly, 74% reported that these delays negatively impacted their physical health, while 77% noted detrimental effects on their mental health. Moreover, 57% struggled to access support in the past year, and 50% felt unsupported following their diagnosis.

Personal stories underscore the statistics. Tom Hunter, a resident of Islandmagee living with multiple sclerosis and a volunteer with the MS Society, shared his experience: “Living with a neurological condition is hard enough without having to fight for the care and support you need. Although I’m fortunate to have a fantastic neurology consultant, he has an overwhelming workload. Too often, I have felt abandoned by a system that doesn’t understand my daily struggles — and I am not alone.”

Hunter emphasized the need for clear, condition-specific pathways, better communication, and improved access to specialists, saying these changes would enhance patient outcomes and restore dignity and hope.

Sarah McCully Russell, Chair of niNCA, called the findings a wake-up call for the Health Minister and his team. She stated, “This evidence demonstrates the urgent need for investment and reform. Condition-specific pathways, improved access to specialists, and consistent communication are not optional — they are essential. Patients and the workforce cannot wait any longer for change.”

Russell highlighted the human cost of the current state of services: “Every cancelled appointment, every year-long wait, and every unanswered phone call takes a toll on real people with real lives. Without immediate action, more people will suffer needlessly. Reform cannot wait.”

In response to the growing concerns, a spokesperson for the Department of Health acknowledged the significant pressures facing neurology services. They noted that lengthy waiting times for first outpatient appointments are a major issue and highlighted the recent public consultation on the final report of the regional review. This review proposed an ambitious program aimed at putting individuals with neurological conditions at the center of their care, backed by workforce growth and innovative operational strategies.

The spokesperson confirmed that an analysis of the consultation results is underway to inform an implementation plan. The Health Minister will consider funding for the Neurology Review within the context of future budget settlements and competing priorities.

Campaigners remain steadfast in urging the Health Minister to prioritize funding for neurology services in Northern Ireland. With the lives of thousands at stake, they emphasize the need for a system that provides safe, timely, and compassionate care to those who depend on it.