Long term neurological conditions are common. For example, in NI, there are approximately 22,000 people diagnosed with epilepsy, 5,400 with multiple sclerosis, 4,000 with Parkinson’s Disease, 1,000 adults with inherited or acquired neuromuscular disease and 140 people with Motor Neurone Disease.
For those with neurological conditions and those caring for them, care and support is provided by a range of primary and community-based services from across the statutory and community sectors.
The Review
In light of pressures within the neurology service, the Department commissioned a Regional Review of Neurology Services tasked with identifying the optimum service configuration for neurology services for the next 10-15 years.
A Neurology Review Team was established to take the Review forward.
An interim report, outlining work to date, was published on 7 October 2019. The Review was paused for an extended period in response to COVID-19 pressures.
The Department published the final report of the Regional Review of Neurology Services on 07 May 2025.
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.
Public Consultation on the Final Report of the Neurology Review
A public consultation on the final report of the Neurology Review ran from 7 May to 06 August 2025. Consultation documentation including an analysis of responses is available at https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/consultations/consultation-regional-review-neurology-services-final-report.
Next Steps
A Neurology Delivery Team will be established in the coming months to lead on
implementation of the recommendations of the Review. The Delivery Team will
provide strategic leadership, programme management and delivery oversight for implementation of the Review. The Delivery Team will be tasked with the
development of an implementation plan as an initial priority. To build capacity in the neurology service, £2.3m of funding has been allocated from the Department’s Elective Care Fund. This funding will also support the implementation of the Review’s recommendations where appropriate.
Further information
If you would like further information on the Review or the consultation, you can contact us at Neurology.Review@health-ni.gov.uk
Related documents
Final Report and Consultation Analysis Report can be found at https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/consultations/consultation-regional-review-neurology-services-final-report
Review of Neurology Services - Terms of Reference
Review of Neurology Services - Interim Report
Review of Neurology Services - Workshop