Minister Emer Higgins TD Launches Community Neuro-Rehabilitation Team for Dublin and Midlands

Minister Emer Higgins TD yesterday officially launched the Community Neuro-Rehabilitation Team (CNRT) for HSE Dublin and Midlands at Clondalkin Primary Care Centre.

The specialist service forms part of the implementation of the National Neuro-Rehabilitation Strategy and provides high-intensity, interdisciplinary neuro-rehabilitation for people living with neurological conditions within Dublin and Midlands.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Emer Higgins TD said: "I am delighted to officially launch the Community Neuro-Rehabilitation Team for Dublin and Midlands. Access to specialist rehabilitation can make a profound difference to people living with neurological conditions, helping them maximise their independence and quality of life. This service represents an important step in ensuring that people can access high-quality rehabilitation closer to home and, at a time when they need it most."

The Community Neuro-Rehabilitation Team is a key component of the region's Managed Clinical Rehabilitation Network, working alongside the National Rehabilitation Hospital and Peamount Healthcare to ensure people can access specialist rehabilitation services at the right time and in the right setting.

Since becoming operational in December 2025, the service has received 128 referrals and has supported people through specialised rehabilitation programmes delivered in clinics, patients' homes, group settings and through tele-rehabilitation.

Orlagh Claffey, Integrated Health Area Manager, HSE Dublin South West, said, “Today's launch marks a significant milestone in the development of rehabilitation services within our region. The Community Neuro-Rehabilitation Team is already having a positive impact on the lives of service users and their families. It reflects our commitment to providing integrated, person-centred care and ensuring equitable access to specialist services for people living with neurological conditions."

The team provides specialist assessment and rehabilitation for adults with neurological conditions, delivering tailored programmes based on individual needs and goals. The service is designed to support people following discharge from acute and specialist rehabilitation services, while also providing ongoing rehabilitation support within the community.

The service is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of health and social care professionals and support staff with specialist expertise in neuro-rehabilitation. It currently serves communities across Dublin South City and West, Dublin South West, Kildare and West Wicklow.

The launch was attended by service users, HSE staff, rehabilitation specialists, representatives from community and voluntary organisations and stakeholders from across the neuro-rehabilitation network.

The Community Neuro-Rehabilitation Team is one of a number of developments supporting the continued implementation of the National Neuro-Rehabilitation Strategy and strengthening rehabilitation services throughout HSE Dublin and Midlands.