Two Nurse Specialist Posts for Huntington’s disease
We are delighted to share some positive news during May awareness month!
Professor Orla Hardiman, Clinical Lead for the National Neurology Programme, together with The Neurological Alliance of Ireland, has advised that among the 23 neurology nurse posts secured in budget 2023, two have been assigned to Huntington’s disease. Both Galway University Hospital and Beaumont Hospital, Dublin have received funding confirmation to begin recruiting a Huntington’s disease specialist nurse.
The Patients Deserve Better nationwide campaign led by the Neurological Alliance of Ireland and supported by fifteen of its member organisations, including HDAI, saw funding for 23 specialist nurses announced by Minister of State for Disability Anne Rabbitte in Budget 2023. Together with the rollout of pathways and initiatives for the management of headache, epilepsy and motor neurone disease, a total of over thirty new posts for specialist nurses in neurology services will be created this year.
Speaking at an Oireachtas Committee on Health meeting on May 17th, NAI Executive Director Magdalen Rogers stated.
"The priority in the immediate term is to recruit these nurses and establish appropriate training here in Ireland. The Irish Neurology Nursing Forum (INNF) which formed last October are working together with the National Clinical Programme in Neurology towards an education pathway for nurses entering into or currently working in neurology nursing roles. The Neurological Alliance of Ireland want to warmly thank both our members and the outstanding individual patient advocates who took part in this campaign and all those who supported the campaign around the country" See NAI’s announcement here
Sincere thanks to families impacted by HD who have spoken with Minister Rabbitte or who have contacted their local public representatives to highlight the need for improved services for Huntington's disease.