Wicklow TD Calls For Neuro Rehab In Bray To Go Ahead.

Wicklow TD Jennifer Whitmore has called on the Minister for Health to ensure that the long-promised neuro rehabilitation facility in Bray is not delayed any further

Wicklow TD Jennifer Whitmore has called on the Minister for Health to ensure that the long-promised neuro rehabilitation facility in Bray is not delayed any further by the HSE recruitment freeze.Whitmore said “In 2018, the Government committed to setting up a new neurorehabilitation centre for CHO 6 area, that is, east Wicklow and South Dublin. The centre was planned for Bray and work was underway to get it up and running over the last year, with a team of 13 posts being pulled together. Funding was available, and recruitment was to commence.“Unfortunately, a response from the HSE to parliamentary question I asked recently stated that all plans for the new centre are now all on hold because of the recruitment freeze in the HSE. Whitmore continues “This is hugely disappointing and will be devastating for those residents in Wicklow that are unable to access support and rehabilitation following stroke, brain injuries, Parkinson’s patients, and others in need of physical or speech therapy. These are essential healthcare services that are needed in Wicklow for hundreds of residents.“However, it is possible for the Minister to make an exception of certain services through the use of a derogation from the recruitment freeze. And I ask that the Minister does so urgently.“The importance of this centre, and the impact of not having these supports available to those that need it, shows that it is critical that the Minister intervenes and provides the necessary derogation from the HSE recruitment freeze.“I brought this important issue to the attention of the Tanaiste Michael Martin in the Dail, and he committed to discussing it with the Minister for Health. I will await the outcome of those discussions, but hopefully common sense will apply. The money is there, and the recruitment process started. It seems a shame that it is now being held up because of the recruitment freeze.Whitmore said “I will continue to raise this issue with the Minister until the services that are in need are in place.”