Alliance MLA Trevor Lunn has welcomed the confirmation by the Health Minister that the post of Muscular Dystrophy Regional Care Advisor has been saved. Funding for the post was due to end this March. The Health Minister provided this information in an answer to a written question.
Trevor Lunn MLA said: “I am very pleased that this vital post will be retained. I know that all of the hundreds of families who currently use this service were extremely concerned that the funding for this post was due to end this March. They will be extremely relieved that it has been saved.
“There are around 2,000 people in Northern Ireland with Muscular Dystrophy, so it is a very big issue. This post has been around since 1979, its longevity shows the value that all those with muscle disease and their families have placed on it.
“It makes sense to continue this post as they can advise those with Muscular Dystrophy and give worried families support and reassurance.”
ENDS
Trevor Lunn: To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline his long term funding plans for the Muscular Dystrophy Care Advisor post.
The Health and Social Care Board and the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust have been working closely together to provide appropriate continued support for specialist neurology services in 2011- 12 and beyond. In addition, work in underway to develop the Northern Ireland Neurological conditions. Also, I am pleased to confirm that the necessary recurrent funding has been secured to ensure the Muscular Dystrophy Regional Care Advisor post is consolidated within the Belfast Trust staffing compliment.