South Thanet MP flexes political muscle in the fight for better muscle disease services

South Thanet MP Dr Stephen Ladyman backed a local campaigning dad today in his fight for better muscle disease services.

Dr Ladyman attended the All Party Parliamentary Group for Muscular Dystrophy’s (APPG) meeting with South East Coast NHS decision makers to find out why the region is not providing a better service for families with muscle disease.

Dr Brijender Rana, Public Health Lead for the South East Coast Specialised Commissioning Group, was asked to come to the Houses of Parliament and explain why his region, along with three others in the UK, has not made vital improvements to their health services for muscle disease patients.

The improvements were recommended in the Walton Report, an investigation into healthcare for muscle disease published last summer.

Stephen Ladyman was there to ask tough questions of the South East Coast Specialised Commissioning Group and to support his constituent Tony Lewis whose son David has Becker muscular dystrophy.

Key issues still affecting South East Coast muscle disease patients:

There is still no regional care advisor for the South East Coast.
There is no specialist muscle disease support in the South East, so patients have to travel to London for all appointments.

Dr Stephen Ladyman MP said:

“It’s vital that vulnerable local families like Tony’s are able to access the care they need.

“It’s high time that NHS bosses improved muscular dystrophy services.”

Dr Ladyman challenged Dr Brijender Rana on the lack of support for South East Coast muscle disease patients and backed calls for quick action on improvements to their healthcare.

Robert Meadowcroft, Director of Policy at the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, commented:

“We are pleased that Dr Stephen Ladyman MP has thrown his weight behind the campaign to improve essential services for people living with muscle disease.

“He is strong voice in Parliament for local patients and their families.”

To find out more about the Walton Report go to www.muscular-dystrophy.org.

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign is the leading UK charity focusing on muscle disease. It has pioneered the search for treatments and cures for 50 years, and is dedicated to improving the lives of all people affected by muscle disease. It funds world-class research to find effective treatments and cures; provides free practical and emotional support; campaigns to raise awareness and bring about change and awards grants towards the cost of specialist equipment.