Council adopts Motor Neurone Disease Charter
March 22, 2019
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has agreed to adopt the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Charter, in support of local people living with this terminal disease and their carers.
MND is a fatal, rapidly progressing disease that has no cure at present. Unfortunately, many people living with the disease are not receiving the care and support they need because it is still widely misunderstood.
The aim of the Charter is to ensure that people with MND receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time. The Charter is a statement of the respect, care and support that people living with MND and their carers deserve and should expect.
The Mayor, Councillor Uel Mackin, said: “Motor Neurone Disease is a devastating illness and Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is proud to adopt the MND Charter. It is essential that more people are made aware of the needs of those living with MND and their carers to ensure the highest quality of life possible.”
Councillor Aaron McIntyre, the proposer of the motion, said: “As a council, we’re committed to recognising the many different needs of our residents in relation to how we deliver our services. Agreeing to adopt this Charter is a commitment that Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council will do all it can to ensure that people affected by MND receive a rapid response to their needs, good quality care and support.”
Councillor Nathan Anderson, Chair of the Corporate Services Committee, said: “The Charter includes five key points including the right to an early diagnosis, the right to access quality care and treatments and the right for patients to be treated with dignity and respect – all issues that we often take for granted. By signing this Charter we’re also agreeing to raise awareness of the care and needs of those living with or affected by Motor Neurone Disease.”
Colm Davies OBE is a campaigns volunteer for the Motor Neurone Disease Association Northern Ireland (MNDANI) and lives with MND. He said: “The organisation supports people who are living with MND. I see every day what a difference the right support and care can make, not only to people like me with MND, but also to our families.
“People with MND face a number of challenges and we’re pleased that the council has recognised this and has committed to working to ensure that people affected by the disease have timely access to the support and care that they need.”