NEUROMUSCULAR SERVICES IN THE LONDON REGION

That this House calls on the NHS London Specialised Commissioning Group to carry out an in-depth review of specialised neuromuscular services in the region; notes that there are almost 9,000 people living in the London NHS region affected by muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions; further notes that the London Muscle Group, a coalition of local families, health professionals and experts in these conditions supported by the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign is backing calls for a review; further notes that eight of the 10 English NHS regions have either completed or are currently conducting a review; is concerned that there is only one Neuromuscular Care Adviser in the London region providing invaluable support to families living with these rare and very rare conditions; further notes that neuromuscular care advisers provide cost-effective care by helping to save consultant time and, as part of a multidisciplinary team, help to prevent expensive and traumatic emergency hospital admissions for this group of patients; and calls on the Government to urge the Specialised Commissioning Group to follow the lead of other regions and embark on a review to ensure that all families living with muscle disease in London have access to specialist multidisciplinary care which improves quality of life and increases life expectancy.