The charity and lobby group hosted an event in the Long Gallery along with patient advocate Janet Robb, sponsored by Mathison, to highlight the physical and psychological impact of the condition and emphasise the urgent need for a care pathway.
The Strangford MLA said: “Facial Palsy is a frequently misunderstood and misdiagnosed condition. In Northern Ireland there is currently no multi-disciplinary team serving facial palsy patients. Services here are not properly integrated, meaning patients are unable to access holistic, joined up care. As a result, many patients face long waits on multiple waiting lists, are forced to travel to GB for treatment, or must seek costly private care. This is simply unacceptable.
“The Department of Health is working on a facial palsy pathway, but progress has been frustratingly slow, and investment remains limited. In 2019, patients were promised both a pathway and an interim in-reach service from GB, but this has yet to be delivered. Patients with facial palsy deserve far better than what our health service is currently offering.
“I strongly support the calls made this week for a dedicated facial palsy pathway with a fully resourced multi-disciplinary team. Patients across Northern Ireland must have access to coordinated and effective services which ultimately save the system money, preventing repeat attendances at GP and A&E services.
“I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Janet Robb, a patient advocate who organised this important event to highlight the urgent need for this service. Her advocacy and dedication to raising awareness of facial palsy and its impact on individuals’ lives is truly commendable.”
The Strangford MLA said: “Facial Palsy is a frequently misunderstood and misdiagnosed condition. In Northern Ireland there is currently no multi-disciplinary team serving facial palsy patients. Services here are not properly integrated, meaning patients are unable to access holistic, joined up care. As a result, many patients face long waits on multiple waiting lists, are forced to travel to GB for treatment, or must seek costly private care. This is simply unacceptable.
“The Department of Health is working on a facial palsy pathway, but progress has been frustratingly slow, and investment remains limited. In 2019, patients were promised both a pathway and an interim in-reach service from GB, but this has yet to be delivered. Patients with facial palsy deserve far better than what our health service is currently offering.
“I strongly support the calls made this week for a dedicated facial palsy pathway with a fully resourced multi-disciplinary team. Patients across Northern Ireland must have access to coordinated and effective services which ultimately save the system money, preventing repeat attendances at GP and A&E services.
“I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Janet Robb, a patient advocate who organised this important event to highlight the urgent need for this service. Her advocacy and dedication to raising awareness of facial palsy and its impact on individuals’ lives is truly commendable.”