The Dublin Neurological Institute
In 2002 No. 57 Eccles Street was a derelict Georgian building that needed complete renovation. In September 2008 it was officially opened by President Mary McAleese as an essential facility for people with Neurological conditions in Ireland.
Over €1.9 million has been raised so far through various fundraising activities and a €1 million capital grant was received from the HSE. Fundraising will continue to play a vital role in The Dublin Neurological Institute to ensure it continues to grow and to meet all running costs.
The facility is unique in this country and is designed to provide a comfortable and informal setting where patients suffering from Neurological conditions and their families can access information of services, counselling and gain informal support and arrange to speak to a nurse specialist. This will be in a friendly non-threatening environment close to the hospital.
The building additionally provides office and research space so that both our clinical and research services in clinical neuroscience at the hospital can be centralised. Previously the Neurology team was dispersed throughout the hospital. By bringing together nursing staff, medical staff and other paramedical staff in one building we can coordinate care for patients and provide a more holistic approach. There is no denying the significant and lasting difference that the facility is set to make.
The Dublin Neurological Institute - View Facts & Figures
1. There are 500,000 people in Ireland with Neurological problems including Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, Epilepsy, Migraine, Motor Neurone Disease and Spinal Injury.
2. There are 30,000 people in Ireland with Alzheimer's disease, 7,000 with Parkinson's disease and 8,000 a year with Stroke. Eleven percent of the population is over 65, this will increase to 17% by 2006. We need to plan now for the increased Neurological problems common to the elderly.
3. There are 17 Consultant Neurologists in Ireland providing the lowest ratio of Consultant Neurologists per head of population in the western world. There is 1 Consultant Neurologist per 17,000 population in Finland. In Ireland there are 1 for 250,000. There is a 1-1.5 year waiting list to see a consultant neurologist for patients with Neurological problems.
4. 20% of all acute medical admissions have a Neurological problem including acute stroke, seizures, confusion, paralysis, head injury, etc. Improving the Neurological services will significantly help to alleviate the pressure on A&E.
5. Stroke is the third most common cause of death and the commonest cause of disability worldwide.
If you would like further information on The Dublin Neurological Institute or would like to make a donation towards the completion of the Institute please contact The Mater Foundation on 01 830 3482 on e-mail contact@materfoundation.ie.
