MYASTHENIA GRAVIS

Early day motion 511, tabled 13 January 2005 by Jim Dobbin (Labour/Co-operative). Signed by 86 members.

That this House welcomes the introduction of the National Service Framework for Long Term Conditions; is concerned however that the average GP has little or no experience of myasthenia gravis, an extremely debilitating, neuro-muscular disease that causes severe and fluctuating muscle weakness that can be fatal; regrets that lack of knowledge of this condition prevents many myasthenics from accessing benefits, social services and early diagnosis; is dismayed that there is no Government funding for the charity Myasthenia Gravis Association that provides literature, advice, helpline and contact facilities to address this need; and calls on the Government to raise public awareness of this disease to ensure the health and welfare problems of myasthenics are recognised and dealt with quickly.

Signatures by party: Labour 58, Liberal Democrat 15, Labour/Co-operative 5, Conservative 4, DUP 2, Independent 1, Scottish National Party 1.