MNDA welcomes NHS reform, but concerns remain

The government's plans for updating the NHS signal a long-awaited integration of health and social care, according to the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA).

Its focus on shared decision-making and the personalisation of palliative care, is also a welcome "dynamic move", according to the charity's chief executive Dr Kristine Knox.

However, the news is not all good news for people with motor neurone disease, Ms Knox claims.

Of particular concern is the loss of an 18-week target, which acts as a safety net for a rapidly degenerating disease such as this, as well as the lack of detail on the transition plan.

"Root and branch change of both system and structure will cause instability, lower productivity and result in lower standards of patient care in the medium-term," Ms Knox concluded.

The number of UK citizens who develop motor neurone disease each year is about two in 100,000, with men twice as likely to be affected as women.

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