Working together to strengthen MND care

17 June 2026 News

More than 150 MND health and social care professionals from across England, Wales and Northern Ireland came together for our annual Care Centre and Network Day in June.

The event brought together colleagues from MND Care Centres and Networks, including neurologists, care co-ordinators and research nurses.

The day focused on sharing expertise, strengthening collaboration and improving care for people living with MND and those close to them.

MND Research Nurse Katie Bowness, who is based in Preston, was attending for the first time. She said: “I found the experience invaluable. The relationships and connections we’ve built will make a real difference going forward.”

Lincolnshire MND Co-ordinator Teresa Purkis said: “It was an amazing opportunity for networking and to meet in person - small conversations generate big ideas.”

Nottingham MND Care Co-ordinator Erica Littleworth said: “Having dedicated time with like-minded colleagues is so uplifting. It helps us keep going in what can be a challenging role.”

Building expertise

The day opened with welcomes from our Chief Executive Tanya Curry and Director of Services and Partnerships Sally Hughes.

They spoke about the importance of joined-up services and how strong collaboration can improve the experience of people affected by MND.

A range of sessions throughout the day gave attendees the opportunity to learn from each other and reflect on how care can continue to improve.

Topics included:

- Supporting unpaid carers

- The role of digital health in MND care

- How research can be translated into everyday practice.

Attendees discussed findings from projects such as Telehealth in MND Care, (Tim-Care), exploring how digital approaches could enhance support for people with MND.

The programme also included practical, expert-led sessions on key areas of care, including environmental controls, safeguarding and wellbeing at work.

These sessions support professionals to build their knowledge and confidence, helping them respond to the complex and changing needs of people affected by MND.

The day concluded with care co-ordinators sharing updates on projects designed to strengthen services.

This included piloting a new service evaluation tool, gRoWE, and developing a bowel management pathway, an area which can have a significant impact on quality of life.

Making a difference together

Events like the Care Centre and Network Day play an important role in bringing professionals together to share learning and best practice.

By working collaboratively, services can continue to improve - helping ensure everyone affected by MND receives the best possible care and support.

Our Head of Information and Professional Development Jennifer Bedford said: “The Care Centre and Network Day was a fantastic success, with collaborative knowledge sharing, inspiring conversations and valuable networking creating real energy, strengthening connections and helping shape even better care for people affected by MND.”