Last week Muscular Dystrophy UK joined forces with NHS England, expert health professionals, and other charities to highlight and address the key issues facing the delivery of neuromuscular services in England.
Our Chief Executive Robert Meadowcroft (pictured) chaired a number of the sessions at the National Neurology Advisory Group (NNAG) Neuromuscular Disease Workshop, which took place on Friday 23rd February at the University College London (UCL) Institute of Neurology.
Neuromuscular networks were identified as a vital means of improving care through promoting collaboration between clinicians, people with muscle-wasting conditions and their families, and charities such as Muscular Dystrophy UK.
Muscular Dystrophy UK has helped to set up networks across the UK, including the South West Neuromuscular Operational Delivery Network (SWNODN) at Bristol Hospital, which in 2016 was formally recognised as a Network of Excellence for patients with neuromuscular conditions.
In addition to this, Muscular Dystrophy UK has helped secure £5.2 million of NHS funding over the past five years to support people living with muscle-wasting conditions across the UK. This has helped fund a range of posts including new care advisors, physiotherapists, and specialist nurses.
We are also working with neuromuscular networks and groups in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales to ensure there is increased investment in neuromuscular services.
Bobby Ancil, Senior Neuromuscular Outreach Manager, said:
The NNAG Neuromuscular Disease Workshop is just one example of how we are working with healthcare professionals to promote best-practice care for people with neuromuscular conditions.
Our regional neuromuscular networks also ensure that NHS decision makers are aware of the gaps in neuromuscular care and how they can improve the support available to people with these conditions, while saving the NHS money.
If you would like any more information on our work to strengthen neuromuscular services in your area please get in touch with our campaigns team: campaigns@musculardystrophyuk.org or on 0207 803 4826.