IMPROVING PROVISION FOR THOSE WITH NEUROMUSCULAR CONDITIONS

That this House welcomes the publication of a new report on physiotherapy by leading neuromuscular physiotherapists and clinicians as part of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign's Building on the Foundations campaign; recognises that for many adults and children with neuromuscular conditions physiotherapy is essential in maintaining the best quality of life, for the longest time possible; is concerned that many patients with chronic conditions are being denied ongoing physiotherapy on the NHS; notes that young adults often have their physiotherapy withdrawn when they reach adulthood; further notes that specialist physiotherapy services are vulnerable where they rely on charitable sector funding; urges specialised commissioning groups to follow the lead of the South West and undertake reviews of neuromuscular services; and calls on the Department of Health to recognise neuromuscular services as a specialist service best delivered as part of a multidisciplinary team and to ensure improved standards of care for all patients with neuromuscular conditions.