South Down MP Margaret Ritchie (SDLP) has asked what the British Department of Health is doing to assist Motor Neurone Sufferers.
She said:xa0“I have been contacted by a number of people who suffer from motor neurone disease and who have made it clear to me that they do not wish to be ignored because of the illness they suffer from. They require and are entitled to improved communication services.
“Motor Neurone Disease is a rapidly progressing, and ultimately fatal, disease of the brain and spinal cord which kills five people every day. Some people living with this cruel disease are currently experiencing problems accessing the appropriate support and equipment to enable them to communicate at the close of their lives.
The South Down MP continued: “Losing the ability to communicate their feelings and needs when they have only a short time to live is both frustrating and frightening. Therefore, I have asked the Secretary of State, Jeremy Hunt what the Department of Health is doing to support people living with MND and what progress is being made to improve communication services for people affected by this terrible disease.
“I will continue to pursue this issue with Health Departments in Northern Ireland and in Britain to ensure that Motor Neurone Sufferers have a voice.”
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