After recently meeting with a constituent with Motor Neurone Disease, Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies has questioned the UK Government over its review of welfare support for terminally ill patients.
Speaking in the House of Commons last week, James asked the Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Justin Tomlinson MP, when the outcomes of the review, which included a consultation with charities and claimant representatives, will be published.
He said:
“Recently, I was pleased to meet my constituent, Tony Davies, who sadly lives with motor neurone disease (MND). On behalf of Tony and the MND Association community, will the Minister kindly announce when he is likely to publish the outcome of the review into access to benefits for the terminally ill?”
In his response, the Minister said that following the comprehensive review, there will be three themes: changing the six-month rule, improving consistency, and raising awareness of the support available.
He added:
“Only last week, I met the MND Association and the Minister for Prevention, Public Health and Primary Care as we work at great speed to bring forward those much-needed changes.”
Speaking afterwards James said:
“People coping with the impact of a terminal illness shouldn’t be faced with the additional battle of trying to access financial support via constraints relating to the DS1500 form and I therefore welcome the promised and much needed changes and very much hope that they come into effect very soon.
"A particular problem at present is the six-month rule. It is thought that many patients miss out on support because their clinicians don't feel confident stating that they only have six months left to live, even though they have a terminal condition.
“It was a real pleasure to meet with Tony, who is living with a truly awful illness. It’s absolutely vital that we make sure that Tony, and others living with terminal conditions, receive all the care and support they need, when they need it.”
