Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt, MLA has visited the Regional Neuromuscular Service at Thompson House Hospital in Lisburn to see first-hand how the specialist team is transforming the lives of people living with neuromuscular conditions across Northern Ireland.
The Health Minister met staff and patients and learned more about the comprehensive, multi-disciplinary service delivered by the South Eastern Trust. He also heard from Consultant Neurologists, Dr John McConville, Dr Niall Doherty and Neuromuscular Clinical Nurse Specialist, Sarah Mason about the specialist care and innovative treatments available to patients.
The Regional Adult Neuromuscular Service was previously operated by Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, with support from a South Eastern Trust Consultant delivering clinics in Belfast City Hospital. The service later transferred to the South Eastern Trust in Lagan Valley Hospital before relocating permanently to Thompson House Hospital in Lisburn.
The specialist Regional service provides diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care for adults living with inherited and acquired neuromuscular disorders. Many of these conditions are rare or ultra-rare and require highly specialised assessment, access to disease-modifying therapies and co-ordinated multi-disciplinary care.
During the visit, the Minister met patient Dr Suzanne Glover, who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy type 2, a rare genetic condition. Dr Glover shared how the service has supported her over many years, helping her to maintain her independence and achieve her personal goals.
Dr Glover said, “The service here in Thompson House Hospital gives me truly wraparound care. My Consultant, Specialist Nurse and Physiotherapist have supported me for many years and understand both my health needs and what is important to me in my daily life.
“It was wonderful to have the Minister visit the service and recognise the difference it makes for people living with neuromuscular conditions. The team know me as a person and support me to live as independently as possible, whether that is through my healthcare or my wider social care needs.”
Speaking during the visit, Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt commented, “The passion and dedication of the workforce here is both encouraging and inspiring. Delivering excellent healthcare requires buildings, beds, equipment and medicines, but above all, it depends on having a highly skilled, motivated workforce and the team at Thompson House exemplifies that.
“Many of the conditions treated here are rare and complex, making specialist expertise essential. Through advanced diagnostic testing and expert clinical knowledge, this team is helping patients receive the right diagnosis and the right treatment, improving both outcomes and quality of life.”
South Eastern Trust, Consultant Neurologist, Dr John McConville added, “We were delighted to welcome the Health Minister to our new home at Thompson House Hospital and showcase the Regional Neuromuscular Service.
“Each year we care for around 700 to 800 people from across Northern Ireland with a wide range of inherited and acquired nerve and muscle disorders. Our Multidisciplinary Team, including Specialist Nurses, Physiotherapists and Clinicians, provides expert care throughout every stage of a patient’s journey, from complex diagnosis through to long-term management.
“The move to Thompson House has provided an accessible environment for patients and an excellent base for delivering specialist Regional services. It was particularly valuable for the Minister to meet one of our patients and hear directly how early diagnosis, specialist care and new genetic therapies are making a real difference to people’s lives. It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the breadth and quality of the service we provide.”