16 October 2023 News
The Jersey branch of the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association has successfully secured a reinstatement of government funding for the island’s only MND specialist nurse.
The Government announced last week that it would once again pay for the specialist nurse’s post, described as ‘vital’ by people living with MND on the island.
The role had originally been funded by the Government but it stopped funding the post in 2022. The local branch then stepped up to subsidise funding to ensure the service stayed in place to support the 13 people living with MND on the island and their carers, but this was not a sustainable solution for the future.
The successful lobbying has seen the Jersey branch not only secure funding for the role until the end of the current year, but for future years as well.
“Now we can focus as a charity on getting back to people on the island with the disease. Time has been wasted. It’s a relief to be able to put this behind us.”
Don Connolly, Chair Jersey Branch
He praised Pat MacFarlane, the specialist MND nurse, as
‘having such compassion towards patients and perfect expertise that we really felt we couldn’t lose her.’
Don Connolly, Chair Jersey Branch
The announcement came in the same week the branch celebrated its 200th meeting.
"I can assure patients that funding for the motor neurone disease nurse specialist will be permanently awarded. The MND nurse is a hugely important clinical role and highly valued by patients, families and carers. I am committed to ensuring patients with MND are supported and I hope my statement provides additional reassurance for patients in that regard.”
Karen Wilson, Health Minister
"This is great news for the People living with MND in Jersey.
Without this service, they would not be able to receive the care they need when they need it.
The Branch has been amazing and been so passionate and persistent in ensuring the service can continue.”
Dawn Pond, MND Association Area Support Co-ordinator