SERVICES FOR PATIENTS WITH MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY

That this House welcomes the publication of a new report by leading neuromuscular clinicians, Building on the Foundations; is concerned that it reveals significant geographical inequalities across England in access to health services for patients with neuromuscular conditions; regrets that specialist neuromuscular centres exist in only four regions and that survival for patients with neuromuscular conditions is severely affected; notes that care from a multidisciplinary team improves patient outcomes; is disappointed that many patients in England do not receive such multidisciplinary specialist care; calls on the Department of Health to recognise neuromuscular services as a specialist service; and urges the Department of Health to work with commissioners and health professionals to improve current service provision across England to ensure improved standards of care for all patients with neuromuscular conditions.