Speaking during Oral Questions at the Assembly, Michael McGimpsey said: “I am fully committed to providing appropriate care for people with neurological conditions such as Muscular Dystrophy.

“My Department is developing a strategy for physical and sensory disability services, which will consider a range of issues. The strategy will look at the provision of wheel-chair services and speech and language therapy. It will also consider respite services, community care packages and sensory services.

“The strategy will apply to a range of disabilities, but it will not address individual conditions. The strategy will consider neurodisabilities including neuromuscular disabilities.

“While diagnosis, specialist clinic input and treatment may differ for each condition, a similar range of services will be needed by people who suffer from them. These will include therapies, day care and respite. Given the commonality there may be an opportunity to coordinate services regionally. It will provide the basis upon which patient-centred services can be developed.”