500,000 People Are Set To Benefit From Improved Health Services

The Welsh Government has claimed 500,000 people in the country with neurological conditions will soon have access to better care and treatment.

The Senedd is launching a new three-year plan to improve how patients with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, epilepsy and other brain related illnesses, are cared for, reports the BBC.

Currently, many people with these conditions claim that poor diagnosis and a lack of treatment options are leaving them with reduced quality of life, but the Welsh government has pledged to resolve this issue.

Health minister Mark Drakeford said: "We must provide excellent care, whether that is through timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment or continuing support.
"Neurological conditions have a very serious and lasting impact on the lives of individuals and their families. By focusing on quality and individual's experiences we will deliver the improvements we all want to achieve."

Paul Robinson, from Swansea, spoke to the BBC about how poor his care has been since he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2006.

Mr Robinson claims he had a two-year wait while trying to move onto a more suitable drug and during that time his illness progressed and limited his mobility.
"It's very frustrating, you have to jump through hoops to get anywhere," he told the news provider.

But despite these issues, the patient believes Mr Drakeford's new proposals will help, calling them a "step in the right direction", although he added that these measures, which will focus on improving diagnosis and treatment options, should have come "20 years ago".

"It's definitely going to benefit people living with these conditions here in Wales," he concluded.

This view was shared by Joseph Carter, of MS Society Wales, who also welcomed the plan.

Charity groups such as Headway, which helps people with brain injuries, have long campaigned that the NHS - in both Wales and the rest of the UK - should be reformed to help people with neurological conditions to enjoy a better quality of life.

Expert Opinion

This is an important step in improving and extending the treatment and healthcare facilities available for people who are affected by neurological conditions and other brain related illnesses. <br/> <br/>“Through our work, we have seen numerous cases where victims have suffered serious brain injuries and we know that many neurological conditions are extremely difficult to diagnose and treat. However it is vital that improved care and treatment is given to patients to ensure that they are given the very best opportunity to manage their condition or illness.” <br/> Lisa Jordan - Partner