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Neurologist needed in Portlaoise to avoid ‘stressful and exhausting experience’

The lack of a Neurologist or a Neurology Department in Portlaoise Hospital is causing to people having a “stressful and exhausting experience” when receiving treatment.

That is according to Independent Councillor Tommy Mulligan who was speaking at Laois County Council’s latest monthly meeting this week.

Speaking about the lack of a Neurologist or Neurology Department in Portlaoise, Cllr Mulligan said:

“Patients suffering from Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Motor Neuron Disease, or migraines must travel to Dublin or Cork.

“People suffering from MS must travel to Dublin five or six times a year. Each time a patient travels, they’re looking at a five-hour round trip.

“This can be a stressful and exhausting experience for patients, and it most cases this involves at least two people, as patients require a carer with them in most cases.”

Portlaoise’s central location would be beneficial to patients across the region, offering an alternative to people in the Midlands and the South East.

It would also help reduce waiting times in the Dublin and Cork hospitals.

“For the Midlands and for Laois – we’re in the centre of the county – it makes sense,” Cllr Mulligan said.

“It’s a reasonable request that we are sanctioned some sort of Neurology expertise.”

The proposal was endorsed by Fine Gael Councillor Willie Aird and Labour Councillor Marie Tuohy.

An Cathaoirleach Padraig Fleming confirmed the request would be put to the HSE and the Department of Health.

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