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Highland MSP Rhoda Grant supports MND Scotland’s call for accessible housing


By Philip Murray

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Rhoda Grant at the recent reception.
Rhoda Grant at the recent reception.

A HIGHLAND MSP has vowed to work to help improve the lives of those diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.

Rhoda Grant was speaking after a special reception for dozens of people with MND at Holyrood.

The event was held to mark the anniversary of a report that warned that people with the terminal illness are waiting too long for accessible housing.

MND Scotland's report, 'No time to lose: Addressing the housing needs of people with MND, has several government recommendations, and Ms Grant said the reception was an opportunity to

Rhoda Grant MSP said: “I was delighted to be able to attend MND Scotland’s reception. The event was a great opportunity to raise awareness of this devastating disease, the impact that housing issues have on individuals and families and to talk to people affected by the illness about how we can support them.

“MND Scotland’s report ‘No time to lose: Addressing the housing needs of people with MND’, highlights the need for people with MND to be fast-tracked and prioritised for adaptations and accessible housing. I pledge to work alongside MND Scotland to help create much needed change for those living with MND.”

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MND Scotland’s event, which took place in Garden Lobby of the Scottish Parliament, was hosted by Bob Doris MSP. Key speakers included Bob Doris MSP, Marie Cartwright – whose husband Ian died of MND in 2019, MND Scotland chief executive Rachel Maitland, and the cabinet secretary for social justice, housing and local government, Shona Robison.

More than 100 guests were in attendance, 70 of whom had been directly affected by MND. They were joined by MSPs, Scottish Government ministers and members of MND Scotland’s staff and board of trustees.

The cabinet secretary, addressed the reception, acknowledging the importance of fast-track, simpler and flexible processes for people with illnesses like MND when they try to secure adaptations and accessible homes. She stated that that she was unhappy with the pace of change achieved since the launch of the report and would reach out across government to improve progress.

Rachel Maitland, MND Scotland’s chief executive, said: “MND’s rapid progression means people become increasingly disabled. This makes moving around homes safely, more and more difficult. As a result, people with MND often need adaptations to their home, such as ramps and wetrooms, and they need them fast. If adaptations can’t be made to the property, they need an alternative accessible home.

“Speed is key when you have an illness like MND. People with MND need to be prioritised and fast-tracked but those who took part in our research told us that this is not happening. We need change now.

“I’d like to thank all of the MSPs who came to our reception to hear first-hand about the experiences people with MND are facing and I look forward to working with you.”

To find out more about MND Scotland’s report visit www.mndscotland.org.uk/housing.


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