St George’s neuromuscular service receives national recognition for outstanding care
St George’s Hospital has been recognised for providing outstanding care to people with muscle-wasting and weakening conditions across South West London and Surrey.
The hospital’s Atkinson Morley Neuromuscular Centre has been given a Centre of Excellence award from leading national charity Muscular Dystrophy UK to acknowledge the care it provides – as well as its work in promoting best practice and demonstrating commitment to improving patient health.
There are more than 60 muscle-wasting and weakening conditions affecting 110,000 people across the UK. Many of these conditions get worse over time, and can cause difficulty walking, swallowing and breathing.
Dr Niranjanan Nirmalananthan, the centre’s clinical lead, said: “It is a real honour to receive Muscular Dystrophy UK’s Centre of Excellence Award in recognition of the ongoing care and support that Atkinson Morley Neuromuscular Centre provides to patients in South West London, Surrey and wider areas.
“We pride ourselves in providing holistic multi-disciplinary and multi-professional support for people living with a muscle-wasting or weakening condition, irrespective of where our patients live within our region.
“The award recognises not just the neuromuscular service but also our close collaborative working with colleagues in other specialties such as respiratory medicine, cardiology, genetics and integration with local community teams.”
Jessica Sturrock is a St George’s patient living with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and receives nusinersen – also known as Spinraza – a type of medication used to treat the condition.
She said: “I don’t just visit as a patient whenever I attend St George’s, whether that be the neuro team, neurosciences day unit or the physio team. I am made to feel part of the St George’s family.
“Everyone goes over and above to provide care, support and compassion and I am treated personally and sensitively on every visit. It’s almost a pleasure.”
Catherine Woodhead, Chief Executive of Muscular Dystrophy UK, said: “We would like to congratulate Atkinson Morley Neuromuscular Centre that has been recognised with a Centre of Excellence award after a robust and rigorous assessment of their service by leading neuromuscular experts and members of the muscle-wasting and weakening community.
“Despite continuing pressures and challenges within the NHS, these centres strive every day to ensure they promote best practice and provide an exemplary service.”
