Call for acquired brain injury case management resource in Mayo and all counties

An allocation of €510,000 to resource a case management service for acquired brain injury in all counties has been called for in Budget 2022.

This would involve recruiting additional acquired brain injury (ABI) regional case managers to work with people and families helping them to better navigate a rehabilitation pathway from hospital to home.

Acquired Brain Injury Ireland (ABII) said the work of a dedicated case manager reduces the burden of care on families, helps to maximise the person’s independence and reduces unnecessary and expensive stays in nursing homes and hospitals.

A cost analysis in the north east of the country, which is one of few regions with a dedicated case manager for ABI, found annual savings of €3.5m to the health system due to less admission and greater discharge.

The CEO of ABII, Barbara O’Connell, commented: “There are massive gaps in rehabilitation services for people with an ABI. One vital service to help transition from hospital to home is the oversight and coordination of a dedicated case manager.

“In our pre-Budget submission 2022 we are seeking an annual investment of €510,000 to provide a basic brain injury case management service in all areas. This supports the HSE’s Implementation Plan for Neuro-rehabilitation Strategy 2019-2021, which is committed to in the current Programme for Government.”