Cheshire neuro service, which covers Malpas, encouraged by long-term NHS plan

The Neuro Therapy Centre particularly welcomed the increased level of support and consideration pledged to people living with long-term conditions and recognition of their carers.

Jane Johnston-Cree, centre director, believes the plan – revealed by the government this month – will be a boost for patients who rely on carers.

“The NHS is a fantastic service which we all rely on, none more so than people living with long-term conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and MS," she said.

"While the treatment of neurological conditions wasn’t directly addressed in the plan; it was great to hear of the government’s plans to become more joined up and coordinated in its care to achieve a better service for people with long-term conditions.

"This is something that we strive for by working with other charities such as the MS Society and Parkinson’s UK and also with the NHS West Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group."

The centre has recently launched a new service for people with neurological conditions in the Cheshire West and Chester (CWAC) area which embraces this joined up community approach.

Together with Brio Leisure – which is owned by Cheshire West and Chester Council – and the Walton Centre, it has introduced an ‘Access to Exercise’ project through funding from Sport England.

Jane added: “Following on from the success of Brio Leisure introducing aquatherapy classes for people with MS and Parkinson’s disease a couple of years ago at their Ellesmere Port site, we decided to expand this idea to offer a wider range of activities to people.

"By working together we are able to support people needing a variety of treatment plans; giving them ways to explore the benefits of exercise personalised to their abilities and interests."

For more about the service, visit the Neuro Therapy Centre’s website at www.neurotherapycentre.org/access-and-exercise or call 01244 678619.