PRESS RELEASE

24 September 2008

East Renfrewshire MSP lobbies health minister to improve services for families with rare muscle conditions

Local MSP Ken MacIntosh today called on Scottish Health Minister, Shona Robison MSP, to conduct an urgent review into access to services for families in East Renfrewshire and across Scotland affected by muscular dystrophy or related neuromuscular conditions. This call for action by Mr MacIntosh and other MSP’s comes in response to a shocking new report by the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign: Building on the Foundations in Scotland.[1]

Building on the Foundations in Scotland reveals families across Scotland are being denied treatment and face major delays in the provision of essential equipment and services.

Mr MacIntosh said,

“The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign’s report is a glaring example of the variation in treatment and access to vital services across Scotland and it’s time real action was taken.It is important that we work together to ensure that services are improved for these vulnerable families.”

Steve McDonald, Chair of Scottish Muscle Council of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign,

“I am very pleased that we can count on the support of Mr MacIntosh in the fight against muscle disease. He is a strong voice in the Scottish Parliament for local disabled people.”

Public Health Minister Shona Robison MSP said:

"I am determined that standards of care, life expectancy and quality of life for Scots with muscular dystrophy should match those in other countries. I look forward to working with the Campaign to fulfil this shared aim."

For further information please contact the Muscular Dystrophy press office (Emily Shelton or Sal Lalji) on 020 7803 4844 or email e.shelton@muscular-dystrophy.org or s.lalji@muscular-dystrophy.org

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:

·         The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign is the only national charity focusing on all muscle diseases. It invests £3 million a year in care support services, research, muscle centres, networks, information and resources. It has pioneered the search for treatments and cures for nearly 50 years and provides practical, medical and emotional support to people affected.

·         Cathie Craigie MSP has tabled a Scottish Motion about the report and its key findings. The motion has received cross-party support.[2]

·         Muscle diseases weaken and/or waste muscles. The conditions can be inherited or acquired and can affect people of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities. There are currently no cures.