A part time neurologist with a support team may be appointed to Tipperary University Hospital in Clonmel.
Deputy Michael Lowry says the South South West Hospital Group is currently considering a business case for the service in the context of the available funding and the National Clinical Programme for Neurology services.
Deputy Lowry raised the lack of Neurology Service at TUH in the Dáil in May, informing the Taoiseach that TUH has no on-site neurology service and responsibility of care is placed on the General Medical Consultants to assess and treat patients who present or who are admitted with neurological conditions.
Many neurological problems present in an ill-defined manner, and non-Neurology Consultants often find it difficult to manage patients with complex neurological conditions, leading to delayed diagnosis and poor clinical outcome.
This proposal under consideration would provide for additional staffing for neurology at TUH, including a Consultant Neurologist for 12 hours in TUH and 27 hours in CUH.
The Clonmel location would also get a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Neurology, nursing and clerical support.
It is envisaged that the Consultant Neurologist would visit TUH weekly to provide an Out-Patient Clinic and attend an inpatient Consultant Round.
