G.P.244

• Published in: Neuromuscular disorders : NMD Vol. 24; no. 9; p. 890
• Main Authors: Majumdar, A, Vijayakumar, K, Merrison, A, Househam, E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.10.2014
• Subjects: Neurology
• ISSN: 0960-8966
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2014.06.320

The southwest of the UK covers a population of 5.5 million and its geography is in the shape of a peninsula of a distance of 250 miles. Within this region are two major cities (Bristol and Plymouth) and a number of smaller towns. There are estimated to be 6660 adults and children with neuromuscular disorders (by ICD codes) in the region. Before the neuromuscular network was set up in 2009, it was found that the families affected by NM conditions had very patchy high quality care and there was a great deal of regional inequity in the provision of neuromuscular expertise. In addition to this, patients would have to travel huge distances to other major centres in order to receive care. The mean survival of a boy with Duchenne Muscular dystrophy was found to be 19 years of age which was significantly lower than survival in other parts in the UK. A successful business case was submitted to Specialist Commissioning of the UK National Health Service and funding of £1.1 million was provided. This funding has allowed for the development of a managed clinical network to ensure that the patients (all ages) with NM conditions received equitable and high quality care, near to where they lived. It is hoped that in the long run, it will increase the survival and the quality of life of those affected by NM conditions in the Southwest of the UK.