Council agrees to adopt the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Charter
Posted on Tuesday 29th January 2019
Newport City Council has agreed to adopt the motor neurone disease (MND) Charter in support of local people living with this terminal disease and their carers.
MND is a fatal, rapidly progressing disease that can leave people locked in a failing body, unable to move, talk and eventually breathe.
At the full council meeting on Tuesday (29/01/19) members agreed to support the motion put forward by council leader Councillor Debbie Wilcox to adopt the MND Charter.
The motion set out the care and support that people living with MND and their carers deserve and should expect.
It kills around a third of people within a year of diagnosis, and more than half within two years. There is no cure.
Unfortunately, MND is still little understood and this contributes to many people with the disease not receiving the care and support they need.
Councillor Wilcoxsaid:“I am delighted our council has agreed to adopt the MND Charter.
“It is vital that more people are aware of the needs of people with MND so those living with this devastating disease can maximise their quality of life and die with dignity”.
The motion was seconded by Councillor Trevor Watkins and received cross party support from all councillors.
Chris James, Director of External Affairs for the MND Association said: “The importance of the MND Charter is undeniable. We want everyone to be clear that access to the right care, in the right place, at the right time, as set out in our Charter, can transform lives.”
The MND Charter was launched to ensure people with the disease get advice about the care and support they need. It is made up of five points:
1. The right to be treated as individuals and with dignity and respect
2. The right to an early diagnosis and information
3. The right to access quality care and treatments
4. The right to maximise their quality of life
5. Carers of people with MND have the right to be valued, respected, listened to and well supported
You can read the MND Charter at http://www.mndcharter.org/