Thank you for contacting me about support for people with motor neurone disease (MND). I know a diagnosis of MND can have a devastating impact on a person’s quality of life and be a struggle for patients and their loved ones. Research, ensuring early diagnosis, and providing support are the Government’s key priorities for helping those living with MND.
In November 2021, the Government committed at least £50 million over a five year period to MND research. Funding is now available through applications to the NIHR and UKRI, subject to peer review and open competition. The NIHR and UKRI are also working to support the MND research community to access funding.
Looking ahead, I know the Department of Health and Social Care and the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy welcome the opportunity to support MND researchers through a network and virtual institute.
With early diagnosis key to treating the symptoms of MND, I am glad that the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published clear guidelines for clinicians on the assessment and management of MND. These set out the signs and symptoms of the disease, and recommend that patients suspected of having MND should be referred without delay. The Royal College of GPs and the MND Association have also worked together to produce a ‘Red Flag Tool’ which sets out key signs of MND to help GPs to identify suspected cases and ensure prompt referral.
The increase in research funding will accelerate progress across the UK to find better treatments for MND, giving people living with the condition the chance of a better quality of life.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.