An extra £2.3 million of recurrent annual funding has been allocated to expand neurology service capacity and begin reducing waiting lists, Health Minister Robbie Butler has announced.

A dedicated Neurology Delivery Team is being created to support implementation of the Department's Neurology Review and accelerate improvements across neurology services.

The Minister outlined the measures in a Written Ministerial Statement to the Assembly, alongside publication of the outcomes of the Regional Review of Neurology Services consultation.

The Minister said: "For too long, many people living with neurological conditions have faced unacceptable waits for assessment and treatment, difficulties accessing specialist support and significant variation in the services available to them.

"This can no longer continue. The consultation responses, the work of the Regional Review and the powerful advocacy of patients, carers and voluntary sector organisations all point to the same conclusion: the case for reform is clear.

"I am therefore endorsing the overall strategic direction set out in the Review report and am determined that progress begins now."

To drive delivery of the Review, officials have been instructed to establish the Neurology Delivery Team, which will provide strategic leadership, programme management and oversight throughout implementation.

As an early priority, the team will produce an implementation plan with clear milestones, deliverables and performance measures.

The Minister also confirmed £2.3 million of recurrent funding each year through the Department's Elective Care Fund. The Minister added: "While I am unable to commit the level of funding required to fully deliver all of the Review's recommendations given the extreme financial pressures facing the Health and Social Care system, I am pleased to announce an additional £2.3 million of recurrent funding each year from my Department's Elective Care Fund, to increase neurology capacity and begin to reduce waiting lists."

Pending the establishment of the Delivery Team, the Department's Regional Neurology Alliance—created last year to provide regional oversight and coordination in response to immediate pressures—will identify how best to use the additional funding to create capacity and address waiting lists, including consideration of relevant Review recommendations.

The Minister concluded: "Through the funding secured, the work of the Neurology Delivery Team and continued partnership with patients, carers, clinicians and stakeholders, we will take the first important steps towards delivering more responsive, equitable and sustainable neurology services for the people of Northern Ireland."

The Department consulted on the final report of the Regional Review of Neurology Services from May 2025, following its launch by former Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, and held public engagement events across Northern Ireland. The Consultation Analysis Report, setting out next steps for implementation, and the Minister's Written Ministerial Statement are available to read in full. For media enquiries, contact the DoH Press Office at pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk. The Executive Information Service provides an out-of-hours media service between 1800 and 0800 Monday to Friday, and at weekends and public holidays, on 028 9037 8110.