'A simple but powerful statement of our shared commitment to dignity, compassion and care'
Wakefield Council has unanimously voted in favour of adopting the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Charter to support people in the district living with the terminal disease.
Councillors of all parties backed a motion aimed at ensuring that residents with the condition receive quality care and are treated with dignity and respect.
Duncan Smith, Labour councillor for Ossett, paid tribute to Pontefract-born former Leeds Rhinos player Rob Burrow, who died from the disease last year, as he put forward the proposal.
The charter was developed by the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) and centres on a statement of the respect, care and support that people living with MND and their carers deserve and expect.
It has five specific points, including rights to an early diagnosis, quality of care, being treated with dignity and being well supported.
Coun Smith said: “It’s a simple but powerful statement of our shared commitment to dignity, compassion and care.
“MND is a devastating condition that attacks the nerves, causing progressive weakness and loss of function.
“Whilst it is rare, its impact is profound, both for those diagnosed and their families and carers.
“There is as yet no cure. But there is hope.
“Hope that is found in how we respond, how we care and how we stand alongside people facing this cruel disease.”
Coun Smith said almost 8,000 people were thought to be living with MND at any one time in the UK.
He added: “In the Wakefield district that is believed to be around 43 people.
“Many of us were deeply moved by the courage of Rob Burrow, a proud son of Pontefract, who showed the world what strength, spirit and love look like in the face of unimaginable challenges.
“Rob’s legacy calls on all of us to do more.
“By adopting in the MND charter, Wakefield Council will be joining local authorities across the country, including our West Yorkshire neighbours, in making a clear public commitment to better support those affected by MND.”
Wakefield was the only authority out of the five West Yorkshire councils not to have adopted the charter.
The motion called for the charter to be promoted among councillors, staff and social care professionals who deliver services for the council.
MNDA’s Champion the Charter campaign began in 2012 and grew when a number of councils committed to adopting it in 2014.
Coun Smith said: “This motion is about partnership and compassion.
“It’s about ensuring that every person living with MND in our district, and their loved ones, knowns that their council sees them, values them, and will do everything possible to support them.”