Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Craniocervical Instability
Debate between Josh Newbury and Douglas McAllister(1 week, 3 days ago)
Westminster HallRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Westminster Hall is an alternative Chamber for MPs to hold debates, named after the adjoining Westminster Hall.
Each debate is chaired by an MP from the Panel of Chairs, rather than the Speaker or Deputy Speaker. A Government Minister will give the final speech, and no votes may be called on the debate topic.
This information is provided by Parallel Parliament and does not comprise part of the offical record
Douglas McAllister
I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing this debate. In Scotland, one third of those living with EDS or hypermobility spectrum disorder are living with at least one long-term, serious condition. A number of my constituents contacted me in the lead-up to this debate to share their stories. They all repeated the same experience of delayed or overlooked diagnosis, which led to unnecessary pain and distress. Does my hon. Friend agree that this is a UK-wide issue that requires earlier diagnosis, better awareness and integrated care to improve people’s outcomes and their lives?
Josh Newbury
I absolutely agree with both my hon. Friends. They echo what I have heard from many of my constituents. This issue is often overlooked, and we need to do so much better for many thousands of people across the country, so I thank them for sharing their constituents’ experiences.
So many people are in a similar situation to Connor’s, which is not unusual. Many people have told me that they have been diagnosed with Munchausen syndrome, so they are not just dismissed but told that their condition is fictitious.