Update on the Neurorehabilitation Centre in Bray, Co. Wicklow

Update on the Neurorehabilitation Centre in Bray, Co. Wicklow

photo credit: Macrovector (Istock)

I recently submitted a question to the Regional Health Forum seeking clarity on the timeline and progress of the Neurorehabilitation Centre in Bray, which has been long anticipated by communities in North Wicklow and Dublin South. Below is a detailed update on where things stand.

✅ Staff Recruitment: Progress and Gaps

So far, 6 of the 11 positions required to run the Centre have been filled. The following posts are already in place, with staff either having commenced in post or having confirmed start dates:

  • Physiotherapist, Senior – In post since 06.05.2025

  • Occupational Therapist, Senior – In post since 06.05.2025

  • Therapy Assistant – In post since 31.03.2025

  • Social Worker, Senior Medical – In post since 06.05.2025

  • Speech and Language Therapist, Clinical Specialist – In post since 31.03.2025

  • Grade IV Admin – In post since 06.05.2025

Recruitment is ongoing for the remaining roles. Several have faced challenges, with three failed campaigns for some critical positions, including:

  • Physiotherapist, Clinical Specialist – Role not yet filled; to be re-advertised

  • Clinical Nurse Specialist (Candidate) – No successful candidate; post regraded and re-advertised

  • Psychologist, Senior Clinical – National panel yielded no candidates; interviews now planned for July

  • Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine – Approved, but awaiting appointment

  • Network Co-ordinator

📆 Planned Opening Date

The team is working toward an official opening in Quarter 3, 2025, with a target go-live date by the end of August 2025. This timeline is aligned with the launch of the Cork/Kerry Community Neurorehabilitation Team (CNRT), creating a coordinated national rollout of these vital services.

⚠️ Barriers to Progress

Two significant obstacles are currently delaying full implementation:

1. ICT Infrastructure

The lack of an appropriate ICT system is a major concern. As a demonstrator site, the Bray CNRT requires robust digital systems to manage patient care across:

  • 7 disciplines

  • Up to 12 primary care centres

  • 6 appointment formats (e.g., home visits, clinic sessions, group therapy, virtual, phone, etc.)

Currently, the HSE’s long-term solution (HSE Connects) won’t be available until 2027. The proposed interim solution, Socrates, is a widely used patient record and administration system already deployed in over 70% of GP practices. The CNRT team is requesting short-term licences for Socrates to bridge the gap. A business case has been submitted, but approval is still pending.

2. Access to Clinical Space

Space constraints are limiting the ability to deliver intensive, coordinated therapy:

  • Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy rooms are not consistently available in the same locations.

  • The Civic Centre in Bray may require modifications to install essential rehab equipment like parallel bars and accommodate double plinths.

  • Without adequate space, delivering effective group therapies and maintaining treatment frequency across the region will be difficult.

🚨 Summary

  • 7 of 11 staff recruited, with hiring challenges remaining.

  • Target opening: Late August 2025.

  • Key blockers: ICT delays and insufficient clinical space.

Final Thoughts

The development of the Bray CNRT is vital for people recovering from stroke, brain injury, or neurological conditions across Wicklow and Dublin South. It’s encouraging to see some progress but it's clear that stronger support is urgently needed to overcome the barriers holding this service back.

I'll continue to monitor this closely and push for updates on the ICT solution and space requirements to ensure we stay on track for the promised August 2025 launch.