A pioneering research project aimed at improving care for people living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is underway, with a focus on developing essential clinical guidance for managing choking - one of the most distressing and life-threatening symptoms of the disease.
The project is being led by Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with Prospect Hospice, the University of Oxford and the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Following a successful bid for funding, the Trust co-hosted the first ever launch event for the project, on Friday 14 March, which brought together leading experts, healthcare professionals, and those affected by MND to discuss the latest findings and next steps.
This research event kick-started the creation of co-designed clinical guidance for managing choking in MND, which will be the first of its kind thanks to the input from people living with the condition and their carers who will be contributing alongside healthcare professionals.
Dr Sara Mazzucco, Neurology Consultant at Great Western Hospitals, said: “We are thrilled to have been awarded funding from the Motor Neurone Disease Association to be able to take forwards this life-changing research.
“Bringing everyone together in a shared space means we can have open conversations, grounded in compassion, and give those who live with the condition the chance to be directly involved in developing treatments that will positively affect others on the MND journey.”
Dorinda Moffatt, MND Specialist Practitioner at Prospect Hospice, added: “This is an important step in improving support for people with MND, giving them and their carers clearer guidance on how to manage choking episodes safely and with dignity.”
For more information about the project or to get involved, please contact Sam at bswicb.mndserviceprospect@nhs.net.
26 Mar 2025