Becker medical alert card launched

A new card scheme has been launched by the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign that will help people receive better medical care.

The medical alert card is to be carried by people with the muscle wasting condition Becker muscular dystrophy. The credit card-sized document features detailed information and advice that doctors will find useful if the patient needs emergency hospital treatment.

The card was launched on Saturday, March 5, 2005 at Anfield, home of the Premiership football team Liverpool FC.

Ruth Geall, Muscular Dystrophy Campaign Director of Reseach and Care said: "Becker muscular dystrophy is a rare condition and doctors may not have heard of it or know what to do when faced with a patient in an emergency situation. This is a great initiative which can offer people with Becker muscular dystrophy and their families ‘peace of mind’, knowing that there will be appropriate care should something happen."

Barbara McGillicuddy came up with the idea of the medical card following the death of her husband Ronald. Ronald had Becker muscular dystrophy and passed away following complications with his heart.

Barbara wanted to do something positive that could help people like Ronald. She also wanted to raise awareness of the affects of Becker muscular dystrophy, a medical condition that front line health professionals would rarely treat.

Barbara and the Thanet Branch of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign raised the funds necessary to produce the card. It is hoped that everyone with Becker muscular dystrophy will carry one.

The patient fills in the front half with personal details, such as their name and National Health Service number. On the reverse are details for doctors about respiratory, heart and muscle problems that someone with Becker muscular dystrophy might have and the best ways in which to deal with them.

How to receive a Becker medical alert card
If you would like a Becker muscular dystrophy medical alert card, please contact the Information and Support line on 020 7803 4800 or freephone 0800 652 6352 or email info@muscular-dystrophy.org

Alternatively, you can download this pdf version of the card: Becker card.pdf (238 kb)