New NHS Campaign

Many of our members report to us the problems they have gaining access to NHS services to meet their often complex needs as people with neuromuscular conditions. These might be physiotherapy, respiratory support, orthotics and a whole host of other vital services which should be available to all who need them.

In order to start to address this, we are beginning to look at the provision that is available, in different areas of the country and to identify where there are serious problems in getting treatment. We know that there are problems in certain areas but we need a detailed picture of the levels of service across the country so that we can identify the gaps in provision which need to be addressed by the Government.

One of the first rules of campaigning successfully is that it is not good enough simply to point out about the problems we face, but also to put forward practical alternatives which would solve these problems. So having detailed knowledge of the current levels of service is essential if we are to propose a serious solution to the problems.

And that’s where you come in.

• Do you get regular physiotherapy?
• Has the NHS provided the right wheelchair for your needs, and how long did this take?
• Do you feel that you get the right support and advice from experts in dealing with yours or a family member’s condition?
• Do you have any suggestions on how services could be improved?

Your answers to these questions will help us to ensure that we can be confident in putting across our message to those with the power to bring about change.

Please contact Dave Ward, Campaigns Officer at the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, at campaigns@muscular-dystrophy.org and let us know your experiences – good and bad – of the NHS.

Later in the year we will have collated all of your responses and put together a report on the state of NHS services for those with neuromuscular conditions. This will form the basis for an ongoing campaign to improve those services across the country so that the high standards which exist in some areas can be delivered across the board.