A SPECIALIST care centre for people with motor neurone disease has opened at Frenchay Hospital.
The opening of the new centre means patients with the fatal and rapidly progressing condition, which leaves them trapped in a failing body, will now be able to access well co-ordinated care closer to their homes.
It was created after a partnership was forged between a team at North Bristol NHS Trust, led by consultant neurologist Dr Andria Merrison, and the Motor Neurone Disease Association charity.
Frenchay Hospital will now care for about 140 people from Bristol with the disease, up from 90 patients before the opening of the centre. Previously, some people with the disease had to travel to London, Oxford or Southampton to receive care from a multi-disciplinary team comprising neurologists, respiratory physicians, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.
The disease leaves people increasingly unable to walk, talk or take care of themselves. Half of people die within 14 months of diagnosis. Others – most famously scientist Stephen Hawking – survive for longer.
Richard Noble OBE, who is preparing for a 1,000mph world land speed record attempt with his Bristol-based Bloodhound SSC project, opened the centre yesterday.
MND Association patron Mr Noble, whose mother died from MND, said: "Experience has taught me that whatever the challenge that you're facing, you are most likely to face it positively when you have the right team around you. The essence of the Bristol MND Care Centre is simple: get the right team working together and no one has to face life with MND on their own."
Dr Andria Merrison, the lead clinician at the centre, said: "Whilst we are currently unable to prevent MND, there have been enormous advances in managing symptoms and improving quality of life and research holds much hope for the future.
"Establishing Frenchay as a specialist centre is a wonderful opportunity. We aim to promote a culture of clinical excellence; in accordance with the MND Association standards of care and to do this with sensitivity, compassion and kindness.
"We are extremely grateful to the MND Association for their very generous support."
The centre will transfer to Southmead Hospital when acute services at Frenchay move in 2014.
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