Motor Neurone Disease Association Launches Pioneering Tool For Health Care Commissioners In Westminster, UK

Main Category: Neurology / Neuroscience
Also Included In: Rehabilitation / Physical Therapy
Article Date: 07 Jul 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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The Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association has just launched a pioneering tool for health care commissioners in Westminster.

It has already been cited as a very important document for patient care and aims to help achieve Lord Darzi's vision of quality care for people living with the complex, and often rapidly progressive neurological condition, MND.

The Year of Care pathway, is an innovative new tool to help the NHS and Social Services improve the provision of services for people with MND.

For the first time ever, the Year of Care pathway lists all the possible care and equipment needs that a person with MND may have over a 12 month period. By attaching a cost to each element, commissioners of services in the NHS will be able to plan and deliver services more effectively for the benefit of people with MND.

Speaking at the event, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on MND Mark Todd MP said: "MND is a disease of high need and one that is very difficult for services to manage. Its rapid progression and wide range of symptoms means it's vital that there's a proactive and timely approach to patient care."

The pathway is the result of a very productive collaboration with Wandsworth PCT and Leeds PCT and Leeds Adult Social Care. Commissioners, healthcare professionals and patients all contributed to the pathway and were represented at the event in Westminster.

Unable to attend the event, but speaking via video link Stan Oleson spoke about the delays he has had to endure since receiving his diagnosis of MND five years ago: "You require certain pieces of equipment to help you but by the time you receive them you can't use them anymore as your needs have since changed. I'm hoping that this new pathway will help me in the future. I don't know how long I've got to live but I hope to enjoy the bit I have left."

Professor of Palliative Medicine Baroness Finlay launched the pathway: "This is one of the most important documents for patient care I have seen. This is exactly what the new NHS needs, a practical working tool to help achieve patients individual choice and improve their quality of life.

"It will be an invaluable help for patients, their families and professionals involved to ensure they have what they need when they need it. It is an example of excellence that should be replicate for other disease groups. Its beauty is in its simplicity. I want everyone to be aware of this. I think this has a huge amount to offer, not just for patient care in the UK, but all over the world."

The Year of care pathway has been developed to be affordable to commissioners, acceptable to providers and beneficial to people with MND and their carers.

The NHS was born out of a long-held ideal that good healthcare should be available to all. 60 years on the MND Association is helping to make sure this quality of care extends to the 5,000 currently living with MND.

Motor Neurone Disease Association
www.mndassociation.org