Review of services needed - McShane

Cllr Cara McShane was speaking from Stormont’s Long Gallery at a launch event organised by the Motor Neurone Disease Association for their ‘Protect and Progress’ Report.

Cllr McShane said: “I was privileged to attend this event in the Long Gallery which was organised by the Motor Neurone Disease Association. They have clearly demonstrated today the vital need for a review of the way in which patients with all neurological conditions are cared for.

“Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a rapidly progressing condition which kills about 37 people each year across the North. It affects sufferer’s walking, talking, eating and breathing; people with MND remain mentally vital and alert as they become trapped within a failing body.

“I fully recognise the work which the MND Association carries out and I welcome the publication of the ‘Protect and Progress’ Report which has been recognised by the Department of Health as being a document which will be used by the Department to inform future policy relating to this debilitating illness.

“It is an unfortunate fact that most people in the North of Ireland will know of someone who suffers from this disease but today’s event serves as a poignant reminder that we must strive to ensure that there are effective policies in place to provide the standard of care required to assist suffers and their families in tackling this condition.”