Specialist regional services for adults and children with muscle-wasting and nerve diseases at University Hospital Southampton (UHS) have received national centre of excellence status.

The accreditation, awarded by national charity Muscular Dystrophy UK acknowledges outstanding levels of care and commitment to improving the lives of people with the conditions.

The services are among 24 centres across the UK that have been recognised by Muscular Dystrophy UK following a national audit which takes place every three years with assessments against a set of criteria developed by a committee of experts.

It sees the adult service retain its centre of excellence status having first achieved it in 2018, while it is the first time the paediatric service at Southampton Children’s Hospital has achieved the accolade.

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Neuromuscular conditions affect the muscle and nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, causing progressive muscle weakness, and can be diagnosed in babies, infants, children, adolescents and adults.

Dr Georgina Burke, neurology consultant at UHS and lead for the adult neuromuscular service, said: "It is a great honour to once again receive the Muscular Dystrophy UK centre of excellence award in recognition of the ongoing care and support that our neuromuscular team provides to patients in Hampshire, Dorset, the Isle of Wight and the wider areas.

 “This recognition not only acknowledges our unwavering commitment to those affected by nerve, muscle, and neuromuscular disorders but also underscores the exceptional care delivered by our team of dedicated health professionals.”