The Leader of the Council, Cllr Huw Thomas was joined by The.Rt. Hon Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Cllr Bob Derbyshire, Cabinet Member for Social Care, Health & Wellbeing, Cllr Susan Elsmore and Cabinet Member for Children and Families, Cllr Graham Hinchey.
Also in attendance at the signing of the charter was the Chair of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Maria Battle, consultant Mr Tom Hughes and Kate Bryon from MND Association Cardiff and Vale. MND sufferer Theresa Wainwright and her partner Iwan Bere also attended.
The charter states;
1.
People with MND have the right to an early
diagnoses and information
2.
People with MND have the right to access
quality care and treatments
3.
People with MND have the right to be treated as
individuals and with dignity and respect
4.
People with MND have 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.
MND is a fatal, rapidly progressing disease that can
leave people locked in a failingbody, unable to
move, talk and eventually breathe. It kills around a third of peoplewithin 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 withthe disease not receiving the care and support they need. The
MND Charter waslaunched to change this.
Cllr Huw Thomas said: “Motor Neurone is a devastating disease and Cardiff Council is proud to adopt the MND Charter in partnership with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. It is essential that more people are made aware of the needs of those living with MND and that we ensure their quality of life is maximised.”
Cabinet Member for Children and Families, Cllr Graham Hinchey said: “Agreeing to adopt this charter is a commitment that Cardiff Council will do all it can to support and assist in raising awareness of the care and needs of those living with or affected by Motor Neurone Disease.
Maria Battle, Chair of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said “As a Health Board we are committed to caring for people and keeping them well. Adopting this charter in partnership with Cardiff Council will make sure everyone understands and respects the rights of people with MND and their carers so they are given the very best opportunity to access the care they need to live the highest quality of life possible.”
Chris James, Director of External Affairs for the MND Association said: “Theimportance of the MND Charter is undeniable. We want everyone to be clear thataccess to the right care, in the right place, at the right time, as set out in our Charter,can transform lives.”
The signing of the charter will take place at City Hall on Thursday 22nd, March 2018.
For further information please visit www.mndassociation.org/mndcharter