McCarthy disappointed in lack of action by Health Minister to muscular dystrophy report

Alliance Health spokesperson and member of the Assembly All Party Group on Muscular Dystrophy, Kieran McCarthy MLA has expressed his disappointed that the Health Minister will not implement the 15 recommendations of the McCollum report on those with muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions in Northern Ireland. His comments were made during a Health Committee debate in the Assembly on the report.

Kieran McCarthy MLA said: “I fully support the 15 recommendations that were made in the McCollom report, so I have been disappointed in the lack of action by the Health Minister to implement them.

“I have heard first hand of some of the harrowing experiences that those with this condition have faced. As MLAs, it is our duty to make sure that they have the best possible care they can receive.

“I think it is vitally important that there is a care officer to oversee all of the needs of those with muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular conditions. We need to make sure that even the most basic equipment is provided.

“There is a centre of excellence in Newcastle, England, so I wonder if we could explore having something similar here.

“All MLAs have constituents with muscular dystrophy, so I was pleased that this motion received support from all parties.

“I would also like to pay tribute to Gerry and Geraldine McCollum who have tirelessly campaigned on behalf of muscular dystrophy sufferers.”

ENDS