Dedicated Neurology Delivery Team and £2.3m of recurrent annual funding announced to drive improvements in neurology services
Date published:
An extra £2.3m of recurrent annual funding has been allocated to increase neurology service capacity and begin reducing waiting lists, Health Minister Robbie Butler has announced.
A dedicated Neurology Delivery Team is also being established to support the implementation of the Department’s Neurology Review and drive forward improvements in neurology services.
The Minister set out the measures aimed at improving outcomes for patients with neurological conditions via a Written Ministerial Statement to the Assembly, as he published the outcomes of the Regional Review of Neurology Services Consultation.
The Minister said:
"For too long, many people living with neurological conditions have faced unacceptable waits for assessment and treatment, difficulties accessing specialist support and significant variation in the services available to them.
“This can no longer continue. The consultation responses, the work of the Regional Review and the powerful advocacy of patients, carers and voluntary sector organisations all point to the same conclusion: the case for reform is clear.
“I am therefore endorsing the overall strategic direction set out in the Review report and am determined that progress begins now."
To drive implementation of the Review, the Minister has instructed officials to establish a dedicated Neurology Delivery Team, which will provide strategic leadership, programme management and oversight throughout the implementation of the Review.
The Delivery Team will develop an implementation plan as an initial priority with clear milestones, deliverables and performance measures.
The Minister also announced £2.3 million of recurrent funding each year through the Department's Elective Care Fund.
The Minister added:
"While I am unable to commit the level of funding required to fully deliver all of the Review's recommendations given the extreme financial pressures facing the Health and Social Care system, I am pleased to announce an additional £2.3 million of recurrent funding each year from my Department’s Elective Care Fund, to increase neurology capacity and begin to reduce waiting lists."
The Department’s Regional Neurology Alliance, established last year to provide regional oversight and coordination in response to immediate pressures in Neurology, will be tasked with identifying how the additional funding can best be used to create capacity and address waiting lists, pending the establishment of the Delivery Team.
This will include consideration of relevant recommendations from the Review.
The Minister concluded:
"Through the funding secured, the work of the Neurology Delivery Team and continued partnership with patients, carers, clinicians and stakeholders, we will take the first important steps towards delivering more responsive, equitable and sustainable neurology services for the people of Northern Ireland."
Notes to editors:
- Former Health Minister Mike Nesbitt announced a public consultation on the final report of the Regional Review of Neurology Services in May 2025. The Department hosted a number of public engagement events to support the consultation at several locations across Northern Ireland.
- The Consultation Analysis Report, including next steps for implementation of the Review’s recommendations, can be read in full here.
- The Minister’s Written Ministerial Statement can be read in full here.
- The Minister paid tribute to all those who contributed to the consultation process, including people living with neurological conditions, their families and carers, clinicians, professional organisations, voluntary and community sector organisations and members of the public.
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