Royal Preston Hospital’s Paediatric Neuromuscular Service has received a Centre of Excellence award from national charity, Muscular Dystrophy UK.

The hospital was awarded for providing outstanding care, promoting best practice and demonstrating their commitment to improving health and care for those living with muscle weakening conditions.

Royal Preston’s neuromuscular centre was amongst 24, across the UK which were also recognised by the charity.

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The information gathered through the awards process will provide a benchmark of neuromuscular services across all centres, helping to build business cases for additional NHS investment in core services.

Consultant Paediatric Neurologist, Dr Christian De Goede said: “I am delighted that our team has received the Centre Pursuing Clinical Excellence with Research award from Muscular Dystrophy UK.

“I am very proud of the recognition of our team, which provides excellent care to all the children with muscle conditions and their families in Lancashire and South Cumbria.

“While relatively new in post, our team has very rapidly made the muscle service their own. 

“Their clinical skills, their passion to look after the children and their families and their motivation to constantly improve the service has been phenomenal and this award is testimony to their hard work.”

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Muscular Dystrophy UK helps more than 110,000 children and adults in the UK living with one of over 60 muscle wasting and weakening conditions.

The Centre of Excellence awards take place every three years, reviewing a range of case studies, examples of best practice and assesses how accessible neuromuscular services are and they way they are organised.

Chief Executive of Muscular Dystrophy UK, Catherine Woodhead, said: “We would like to congratulate Lancashire Teaching Hospitals’ Paediatric Neuromuscular Service that has been recognised with a Centre of Excellence award after a robust and rigorous assessment of their service by leading neuromuscular experts and members of the muscle wasting and weakening community. 

“Despite continuing pressures and challenges within the NHS, these centres strive every day to ensure they promote best practice and provide an exemplary service.”

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