by Louise Doyle
Letterkenny woman living with MS says the Budget has not provided for those with neurological conditions.
A LETTERKENNY woman living with Multiple sclerosis (MS) for 17 years, and who has to travel between five different hospitals for medical appointments, has said the government has left people with neurological conditions behind in the Budget.
Elaine Coll could have up to three appointments in one month – all in different locations. She has to travel between hospitals in Letterkenny, Sligo, Manorhamilton and two in Dublin for medical appointments.
In April of this year, Elaine had a relapse and had to go to hospital. She needed an MRI scan, but as there were 56 people also waiting for an MRI scan she was sent home to return for the scan two weeks later. She still does not know the results of that scan.
Prior to the release of the Budget details, the Neurological Alliance of Ireland (NAI) met with Donegal Oireachtas members at a pre-Budget event in Dublin last week.
Members raised concerns about a ‘postcode lottery’ where access to critical services is dependent on where a person lives.
Donegal Minister Charlie McConalogue attended the event.
The NAI called attention to the lack of neurology services in regional hospitals; the two community neurorehabilitation teams promised in 2019 that are yet to be delivered.
The organisation had two key asks for Budget 2025; the delivery of fully resourced community neurorehabilitation teams for the midlands/northeast and southeast regions, and to tackle the staffing shortages for existing teams in the northwest; and the provision of access to a Consultant Neurologist in five regional hospitals including Letterkenny University.
Speaking to the Donegal News, Elaine said things have not improved in neurology care in the almost two decades since her own diagnosis. She said having a dedicated Neurologist in Letterkenny University Hospital would have a huge impact on the lives of those living with a neurological condition in the region.
“There are no neurological services in Letterkenny, and that hasn’t changed since I was diagnosed 17 years ago. A doctor comes from Sligo to LUH every two weeks but there are so many patients. There is so much need locally, and there is such a backlog.”
Elaine said having to travel for appointments places huge financial strain on patients and their families.
“I don’t drive because of my eyesight and the lack of power in my legs. There is no suitable public transport in Donegal, so my husband has to take annual leave from work and drive me. Sometimes my key worker will organise a taxi through the HSE.The fatigue from travelling takes me a long time to recover from.”
Elaine said she recently attended a 12-week No Barriers programme in Letterkenny, which she praised for helping her physical and mental well-being. She said she would like to see more of these programmes, but again funding puts pause to it.
“There has been no difference in the Budget for me or others in my situation. We have been left behind. Donegal really is the forgotten county.
“I just want access to consultant neurology services, and not having this is really making life much more difficult for me and others who have lifelong implications because of neurological conditions.”
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