Access to physiotherapy and psychological support were the focus of the All Party Group on Muscular Dystrophy in the Northern Ireland Assembly yesterday.
Physiotherapy provision
Siobhan MacAuley, clinical specialist in neuro-physiotherapy, spoke about the provision of adult physiotherapy and trying to assess the physiotherapy needs of different types of muscular dystrophy.
The discussion on accessing physiotherapy included points on:
- difficulties in accessing physiotherapy
- gap in paediatric physiotherapy
- importance of respiratory physiotherapy and availability of cough assist machines
- implementation of guidelines and standards of care
Psychology support
Suzanne Glover, who has spinal muscular atrophy, talked about Muscular Dystrophy UK’s Mental Health Matters campaign and her own experiences of accessing counselling support.
The perspectives shared following Suzanne’s testimony included:
- need for counsellors and psychologists to have a basic understanding of muscular dystrophy and neuromuscular conditions
- lack of counselling service being offered to people with muscle-wasting conditions
- effect on the wider family as well as someone with the condition
- exploring charity support which is available
Mark Durkan MLA, Chair of the All Party Group, will be writing to the Department of Health to raise the issues covered at the meeting and call for improvements to care and support for people with muscular dystrophy and neuromuscular conditions in Northern Ireland.
For more information on our campaigning activity to improve access to neuromuscular care in Northern Ireland, please contact Jonathan Kingsley at j.kingsley@musculardystrophyuk.org or on 020 7803 4839.