News & Events
Collaboration in Leeds produces new pathway for MND
05 September 2008
Once again Leeds became the focus for work that is set to dramatically improve the care of people living with the complex and often rapidly progressive condition, Motor Neurone Disease (MND).The MND Association has produced an MND Year of Care Pathway to help the NHS and Social Services improve the provision of services for people with MND.
For the first time ever, the MND Year of Care pathway lists all the possible care and equipment needs that a person with MND may have over a 12 month period. By attaching a cost to each element, commissioners of services in the NHS will be able to plan and deliver services more effectively for the benefit of people with MND.
The pathway is the result of a very productive collaboration with Leeds PCT and Leeds Adult Social Care. Commissioners, healthcare professionals and patients from all over Leeds contributed to the pathway through interviews and focus groups sharing their experiences.
The Pathway has already been cited as a very important document for patient care and aims to help achieve Lord Darzi’s vision of quality care for people living with MND.
Talking about the Pathway, Professor of Palliative Medicine Baroness Finlay said: “This is one of the most important documents for patient care I have seen. This is exactly what the new NHS needs, a practical working tool to help achieve patients individual choice and improve their quality of life.
“It will be an invaluable help for patients, their families and professionals involved to ensure they have what they need when they need it. It is an example of excellence that should be replicated for other disease groups.
“Its beauty is in its simplicity. I want everyone to be aware of this. I think this has a huge amount to offer, not just for patient care in the UK, but all over the world."
The Association hosted an event at the Thackray Medical Museum on 2 September, to thank everyone in Leeds for all their help and support.
