SIR - I was interested to read your recent article ‘Girls are praised in health trauma’ (February 6).
As Wendy Hamilton explains, a diagnosis of muscular dystrophy has an enormous impact on the patient and their whole family. And it’s not just diagnosis that can be difficult.
People living with muscle-wasting conditions require expert support throughout their lives as their condition progresses and living independently becomes harder.
That’s why it’s deeply concerning that local health bosses are refusing to pay for cost-effective support roles such as a neuromuscular care advisor, despite our repeated engagement with senior staff.
A care advisor is a key support worker for any person with muscular dystrophy. They co-ordinate a person’s entire care and reduce the need for hospital admissions.
A study in 2012 showed that the care advisor roles are saving the NHS millions in avoidable hospital admissions. Shockingly, there is currently only one care advisor in West Yorkshire and none at all connected to Bradford Royal Infirmary clinics.
On behalf of the 2,200 patients in West Yorkshire, Muscular Dystrophy UK is calling on Bradford Royal Infirmary to invest in this vital role.
Bobby Ancil, Senior Neuromuscular Outreach Manager, Muscular Dystrophy UK
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