The County Durham Health and Wellbeing Board (CDHWB) has agreed to adopt the Motor Neurone Disease Charter, in order to send a message of support to those living with the disease.
Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a fatal, rapidly progressing disease that affects the brain and spinal cord.
It attacks the nerves that control movement so muscles refuse to work.
A third of people with Motor Neurone Disease die within a year of diagnosis, and more than half within two years.
Six people per day are diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in the UK, and it affects up to 5,000 adults at any one time. There is no cure.
The Health and Wellbeing Board, which brings together various health providers and is chaired by Durham County Council, has adopted five commitments as part of the charter:
• People with MND have the right to an early diagnosis and information
• People with MND have the right to high quality care and treatments
• People with MND have the right to be treated as individuals and with dignity and respect
• People with MND have the right to maximise their quality of life
• Carers of people with MND have the right to be valued, respected, listened to and well supported
Cllr Lucy Hovvels, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for health and adult services, and chair of the CDHWB, said: “The Health and Wellbeing Board partners are delighted to be receiving the Motor Neurone Disease charter today.
“This is an extremely debilitating disease which has a profound impact on a number of people’s lives in County Durham.
“By adopting the charter, and pledging to its commitments, we hope to send a clear message to people that we will be doing all we can to support you, and the people who care for you, to live happy and fulfilling lives.”
Cllr Hovvels, and other board members, were presented with the adoption certificate by staff from the Motor Neurone Disease Association before the last meeting of the Health and Wellbeing Board.