Neurology patients are 'frightened, frustrated and forgotten' as thousands await appointments

The Sophie Reid Neurological Association has responded to an update from the Health Minister, confirming nearly 4,000 islanders are waiting for neurology appointments.

Amongst them are two people with suspected brain cancer, 2,000 waiting for a first neurology appointment, and more than 2,600 awaiting follow-ups.

Sophie Reid, founder of the neurological charity, has called the numbers 'deeply concerning':

"I'm absolutely appalled by these figures.

"We're talking about 42 patients needing urgent neurological care and two suspected cancer cases.

"These aren't just statistics. These are human beings.

"The brain is the motherboard of our body. It controls everything, and when something goes wrong, time can be absolutely critical. How have we allowed neurological care in Jersey to reach this point?"

A review by the Royal College of Physicians, published earlier this year, found the service 'overstretched'. 

Read: 'Overstretched' neurology department following under-experienced managers - Channel 103

And eight months on, there is still no permanent consultant neurologist in post. The report recommended two.

The most recent locum neurologist had to leave the island earlier than anticipated, due to personal reasons, and Health and Care Jersey have recently confirmed that a new neurology specialist has been offered a job. They are awaiting confirmation from the candidate. 

But neurology services are currently restricted to virtual clinics and supported by visiting consultants.

Sophie, who is a brain tumour patient herself, says there's been no progress:

"At the Sophie Reid Neurological Association, we've been raising concerns about Jersey's neurology services for far too long.

"A review in February recommended two full-time neurologists, yet here we are in November, once again without a permanent neurologist."

"Patients are having appointments cancelled, people are waiting for answers, and there's still no long-term stability.

"At what point does somebody take responsibility and actually fix this?

"As someone who knows first-hand what delays in neurological care can mean, I find this deeply concerning.

"We need answers about how urgent patients are being protected, what happens to those awaiting diagnosis and when Jersey will have a safe, sustainable neurology service."

"Patients deserve action, not another set of promises."

The Health Minister, Senator Tom Binet, gave the numbers in response to two written questions in the States Assembly.

He said:

"Our usual agencies have confirmed that demand for these roles is high across the UK and not just in Jersey, with very limited clinicians available.

"The department is also approaching targeted recruitment agencies, headhunters, and UK insourcing providers, with further meetings planned this week."

Speaking to BBC Jersey, Senator Binet said the neurology department is the one he's 'most concerned' about. 

He said he 'really, really' feels for people who need neurological care, adding that health leaders are 'desperately' trying to recruit staff, but that the principal problem is the lack of neurologists available.