MPs join forces to raise awareness of muscle disease

Ivan Lewis MP, Minister for Health, (pictured right) was joined by MPs and supporters of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign at a House of Lords reception on 3 July to raise awareness of muscle disease. The charity is calling on the new Government to pay more attention to young adults with disabilities, who often face difficulties when transferring from children’s to adult’s services – the ‘transition’ phase.

The event was hosted by Baroness Thomas of Winchester (pictured above with MDC member Michaela Hollywood), a peer who has limb girdle muscle disease herself. It offered the opportunity for the charity’s members, fundraisers, researchers and donors to network with MPs and discuss the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign’s work and current campaigns. Guests included the Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Muscular Dystrophy, Dave Anderson MP, and the Lord Speaker, The Rt Hon. Baroness Hayman. Sir Bert Massie, Chair of the Disability Rights Commission, was guest speaker.

Commenting on the event, Baroness Thomas said: “The nature and quality of health service provision too often fails teenagers with disabilities. The standard of services for young adults with conditions such as muscular dystrophy is not as well developed as those in paediatric clinics. It is essential that the Department of Health and local authorities work to bridge this divide and improve joint working between children’s and adult’s services.”

MPs from across the parties have tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons. This urges the new Government to consider establishing a network of health and social care professionals, with an expertise in transition, to ensure that all young adults with neuromuscular conditions receive appropriate care, support and information tailored to this crucial stage in their lives.

Philip Butcher, Chief Executive of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, said: “I’m delighted that so many MPs were able to join us in recognising the contribution made by many people from all walks of life to the fight against muscle disease. I hope that we can now work together in ensuring that the needs of people living with muscle disease are at the top of the health and social care agenda.”