A Birmingham MP has added his weight to a parliamentary motion to improve healthcare for disabled children.
John Hemming, Liberal Democrat MP for Yardley, is backing a new campaign by group Every Disabled Child Matters (EDCM) and has signed up to a backbench early day motion to improve services.
EDCM’s report, Disabled Children and Health, which highlighted the failure of the NHS to meet even basic needs of disabled children including those with palliative care needs.
The early day motion calls on the Department of Health, primary care trusts, local authorities and the health, social care and education inspectorates to respond positively to the recommendations in the Every Disabled Child Matters report in order to provide disabled children with health services that meet their needs
Mr Hemming was among 80 MPs who attended the report launch and took the opportunity to talk with disabled children and their families and representatives from Primary Care Trusts, local authorities and voluntary organisations.
“It is often difficult to get professionals to listen to the people,” said Mr Hemming.
“It is important that politicians ensure that communication is both ways and I am happy to support this campaign.”
The report detailed how disabled children face barriers accessing universal health services such as GPs and dentists, often due to inappropriate attitudes from health professionals or a lack of training.
