Launch of Neuronetwork

Thursday, 27 October, 2011

The Neurological Alliance of Ireland (NAI) and the Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI) are proud to launch Neuronetwork – www.neuronetwork.ie

Neuronetwork is a unique online tool which will allow those who provide care to people with neurological conditions to source information on the services and supports offered by non-statutory organisations. Working in close collaboration with primary health care teams to ensure the site meets their needs, www.neuronetwork.ie will provide a “shop window” to services, with information available at the click of a mouse.

In developing Neuronetwork, NAI and DFI have created a unique resource, which has the potential to be replicated for other conditions and disease areas. The site has been developed in close consultation with potential users to ensure that the information is provided in a way that meets their needs. Information searches can be performed under a number of criteria including

• a specific service
• a specific neurological condition
• the county in Ireland

Neuronetwork is the culmination of extensive work by the NAI and DFI to identify how those working in primary care can better support people with neurological conditions in Ireland.

Speaking at today’s launch, Denise Dunne, Development Manager of NAI said:

“Neuronetwork is a very important website which will allow people with a neurological condition, primary carers and healthcare workers to accesses a diverse and comprehensive database of supports, events and details about non-statutory organisations and the work they are doing. While we are launching the website today, it is the start of the process, not the end, and the site will continue to grow and develop with use.”

Dr Joanne McCarthy, Senior Executive Officer for Policy and Research with the Disability Federation of Ireland, noted the unique nature of the project:

“www.neuronetwork.ieis the first website of its kind in Ireland and we are delighted to have worked so closely with the NAI, the members of both of our federations, and the HSE to ensure the site meets the needs of the target audience. We will continue to work closely with these groups to make sure this unique portal is the go-to resource for anyone supporting a person with a neurological condition in Ireland.”

Additional Information:

Over 700,000 people in Ireland, 17% of the population, live with neurological conditions affecting the brain and spinal cord. These range from common conditions such as stroke, migraine, epilepsy, acquired brain injury and multiple sclerosis to rare and genetic disorders. In a 2010 survey, NAI found that almost half of all people with a neurological condition and their carers said that non-statutory organisations were essential to their care and support.

About NAI:

The Neurological Alliance of Ireland (NAI) is the national umbrella organisation for groups representing the views and concerns of those affected by neurological conditions. www.nai.ie www.thinkingahead.ie

About DFI:

Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI) is the national support organisation for voluntary disability organisations in Ireland who provide services to people with disabilities and disabling conditions. www.disability-federation.ie

ENDS

For additional information please contact:

Denise Dunne, Development Manager, NAI - 086 121 6957

Toni Gleeson, Regional Support Officer, DFI – 086 600 4526

Photographs from the launch event are available from Sinead Bradley Photography