Access to specialist neuromuscular care and treatments

Summary

There are more than 60 different types of neuromuscular condition and it is estimated that around 60 to 70,000 people in the UK live with neurological conditions affecting the functioning of the muscles. The debate is expected to focus on muscular dystrophies, such as Duchene muscular dystrophy (other neuromuscular disorders include motor neuron disease, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis).  NHS England is responsible for commissioning specialised neurological services, which includes services for patients with neuromuscular disorders. NHS England has published a service specification for neurological care, which sets out what providers must have in place to offer evidence-based, safe and effective services:

www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/d04-neurosci-spec-neuro.pdf 

The NHS England service specification sets out that patients with neuromuscular conditions, such as muscular dystrophy, should have access to a multidisciplinary team (MDT) who will assess, diagnose and provide support. The MDT team will include neuromuscular consultants, neuromuscular physiotherapists, specialist nurses, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists and other care professionals. One of the key service outcomes of the specification is that all patients with long-term neurological conditions have an individual care plan.