Support for Motor Neurone Disease in York to continue following close of charity
York and District against Motor Neurone Disease (YAMND) is to close after 25 years of providing advice and support to local people. The charity was initially set up by a small group of volunteers who felt there was a need for a dedicated charity working in and around York to provide help and support for those affected by this devastating disease.
York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, having recognised the significance of the charity’s work, will take over the support service. This includes the specialist nurse employed by the charity who will continue to provide emotional and practical support for current and newly diagnosed patients in the York area from York Hospital. The post has been funded by NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).
Hazel Allinson, current Chairperson of YAMND, said: “This really is good news for the people of York and I am grateful that the CCG and York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust have felt the service, set up by the charity, is a model of care they feel able to commit to. Our specialist nurse Doreen Foster will bring a wealth of experience to her new appointment with the Trust. All those involved with YAMND are proud of its achievements and it is comforting to know that although the charity will close the much needed support for those suffering from this terrible condition will continue.”
Specialist Nurse, Doreen Foster, who has been with the charity for over 18 years, has achieved recognition from many sources for her outstanding work within the field of caring for those coping with Motor Neurone Disease including a York Press Community Pride award in 2011.
Karen Cowley, Directorate Manager Specialist Medicine York Teaching NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are delighted to welcome Doreen to the Trust and value her years of experience in helping people cope with this illness. This will mean that the support of patients and families affected by Motor Neurone Disease will continue now and into the future.”
Dr Mark Hayes, Chief Clinical Officer NHS Vale of York CCG, said: “We are keen to ensure that patients receive the right care at the right time and have recognised the value of the specialist nurse role that had been supported over several years by the charity. We are working with the Neurological Commissioning Support service to further establish integrated care pathways for patients with with Motor Neuron Disease.”
The Management Committee of YAMND is working with the York Trust in order to arrange a seamless transfer of the service by 31 March 2014, when the charity will be dissolved.
