Senator Malcolm Noonan Raises Neurology Care Concerns

Parkinson’s Ireland is very grateful to Senator Malcolm Noonan for raising important concerns in the Seanad regarding access to specialist care for people living with Parkinson’s in Ireland.

In a recent Commencement Matter, Senator Noonan highlighted the national shortage of Parkinson’s Nurse Specialists (PNSs) and the need to recruit additional neurologists to improve access to specialist neurological care across the country.

Senator Noonan also raised concerns about access to neurology services for people living with Parkinson’s in County Offaly. Despite the proximity of Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise, people with Parkinson’s in the area continue to be referred to hospitals in Dublin to access a neurologist, creating additional travel and access difficulties for patients and their families.

Parkinson’s Ireland has consistently called for increased investment in specialist services to ensure that people living with Parkinson’s can access the care and support they need, as close to home as possible.

We welcome Senator Noonan’s continued attention to these issues and his efforts to highlight the challenges facing people living with Parkinson’s. Addressing the shortage of Parkinson’s Nurse Specialists and neurologists is essential to improving access to timely, appropriate care for the growing Parkinson’s community in Ireland.