Summary
The Department of Health is undertaking a public consultation on the final report of the Regional Review of Neurology Services. The Department welcomes your views on the report’s analysis, findings and proposed recommendations which are intended to drive improvements in future neurology services in Northern Ireland.
The consultation closes at 5.00pm on 06 August 2025.
Documents
- Regional Review of Neurology Services - Final Report (Full Report)
- Regional Review of Neurology Services - Final Report (Summary Report)
- Regional Review of Neurology Services - Final Report - Consultation Questionnaire
- Regional Review of Neurology Services - Final Report - Easy Read version
- Regional Review of Neurology Services - Final Report - Consultation Questionnaire - Easy Read version
- Equality Screening - Regional Review of Neurology Services - Final Report
- Rural Needs Impact Assessment - Regional Review of Neurology Services - Final Report
- Regional Review of Neurology Services - Final Report - Consultation FAQs
Consultation description
Neurological conditions are common. There are an estimated 40,000 people in Northern Ireland living with a chronic neurological condition. In addition, there are many more people affected by conditions such as migraine and functional neurological disorder who require access to specialist neurology services. Lengthy waiting lists and workforce pressures mean that many people affected by a neurological condition cannot currently access the services and support they need in a timely manner.
It is for that reason that the Department of Health established a Regional Review of Neurology Services tasked with identifying the optimum configuration of adult neurology services for the next 10-15 years and a clinically led Review Team was established to take this work forward. The work of the Review Team has now concluded and the Department is now consulting on the final report of the Review.
The report sets out the findings of a broad programme of analysis of current services and user experience. In the context of this analysis the report sets out a vision for future neurology services which should be person centred, joined-up, responsive, evidence-based and suitably resourced to meet the needs of people with neurological conditions in Northern Ireland.
To support the achievement of that vision the report identifies four priority areas with proposed recommendations to drive improvements in future services:
• Priority One: A Person-Centred Service – This priority focuses on the development of person-centred care to ensure a coordinated approach to meet the needs of people with long term and complex neurological conditions.
• Priority Two: Developing Additional Workforce Capacity – This priority focuses on the development and growth of the neurology and supporting workforces in the context of significant shortages.
• Priority Three: Addressing Gaps in Current Services – This priority focuses on addressing shortfalls in current services to ensure equity of access to timely, responsive neurology services.
• Priority Four: Using Current Resources More Effectively – This priority focuses on opportunities to make better use of resources through new and innovative ways of working.
Consultation Engagement Events
As part of the consultation exercise, we are hosting a number of public engagement events to support the consultation at several locations across Northern Ireland over the coming months. These events will provide the opportunity to present the analysis, findings and proposed recommendations set out in the report; ask questions from an expert panel; and support and promote engagement in the consultation.
For those unable to attend in-person, two online events have also been scheduled.
The dates and locations of all upcoming events are outlined below:
Date/Time | Trust | Venue |
29th May 2025 – 7-9pm | Belfast Trust | Clayton Hotel, 22-26 Ormeau Avenue, Belfast, BT2 8HS |
5th June 2025 – 7-9pm | Western Trust | Silverbirch Hotel, 5 Gortin Road, Omagh, BT79 7DH |
25th June 2025 – 7-9pm | South-Eastern Trust | Queen's Hall, West Street, Newtownards BT23 4EN |
3rd July 2025 – 7-9pm | Northern Trust | Dunsilly Hotel, 20 Dunsilly Road, Antrim, BT41 2JH |
9th July 2025 – 2-4pm | Online | MS Teams |
17th July 2025 – 7-9pm | Southern Trust | Canal Court Hotel, Merchants Quay, Newry, BT35 6HR |
23rd July 2025 – 7-9pm | Online | MS Teams |
If you are interested in attending any of the upcoming consultation engagement events, you can register at the relevant link below which will take you to the Eventbrite booking site. This is optional and booking in advance is not required.
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/regional-review-of-neurology-ni-consultation-4297653
If you require any particular assistance in order to fully participate in these events please let us know in advance by contacting us at Neurology.Review@health-ni.gov.uk.
Following this consultation, the Department will produce an analysis of the responses which will be published on the Department’s website.
Ways to respond
Neurology Review – Consultation
Department of Health
Annexe 3
Castle buildings
Stormont Estate
Belfast
BT4 3SQ