Call for new national physiotherapy service for people with neurological conditions

The lives of thousands of people living with neurological conditions can be significantly improved through the development of a new ‘online’ national physiotherapy service to promote their well-being and prevent disability, with MS Ireland (Multiple Sclerosis) seeking to engage with the Minister for Health and HSE to capitalise on opportunities which proved highly effective during Covid-19.

According to the charity an investment of €880,000 can deliver a new national physiotherapy service to people with MS, and other neurological conditions, and save millions of euro in health service costs. MS Ireland CEO Ave Battles forecast that this investment, using a blend of online and in person services, could deliver 3,726 individual appointments and 1,458 participants in group programmes annually.

Ms Battles said the funding would provide for one Senior Physiotherapist plus running costs in each of the nine HSE CHO areas, together with an overall national manager and administrator. The cost for all nine CHOs is €880,000 per annum, and €94,000 per CHO area.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive condition of the central nervous system that is characterised by problems with balance, strength and walking, with in excess of 9,000 people living in Ireland with MS.