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MSPs Raise Awareness of Meningitis in Scotland
03 October 2008
Sarah Boyack MSP led a group of 44 Members of the Scottish Parliament today in support of Meningitis Research Foundation's Awareness Week, with a Parliamentary motion to raise awareness of the disease in Scotland. It specifically called for the Executive to continue funding the Scottish Joint Meningitis Working Group.
The motion, supported by a third of the Parliament, alerts the Scottish Executive to the fact that meningitis is a disease that infects 12 people every fortnight in Scotland, of whom one will die and two more will suffer life-altering after-effects, such as brain damage, deafness and multiple amputations. Furthermore, babies and children are most at risk. Young lives can be saved through raising awareness among clinical practitioners and the public of the early warning signs of meningitis and septicaemia.
Meningitis Awareness Week is the start of Meningitis Research Foundation's winter awareness campaign, when the disease is most prevalent. Meningitis Research Foundation's Scotland Manager, Rita Crowe commented: "There are vaccines which provide excellent protection but not all forms of meningitis and septicaemia can be prevented. In particular, there is no vaccine to protect against MenB disease, which causes most cases in this country.
"Meningitis and septicaemia are devastating diseases which within just a few hours can leave a baby, child or adult fighting for their life. Knowing the symptoms and acting fast will save lives."
The motion states:
S3M-2574 Sarah Boyack: Meningitis Research Foundation's Awareness Week-That the Parliament welcomes the Meningitis Research Foundation's Awareness Week between 15 and 21 September 2008; notes that meningitis is a disease that infects 12 people every fortnight in Scotland, of whom one will die and two more will suffer life-altering after-effects, such as brain damage, deafness and multiple amputations; further notes that babies and children are most at risk and that more young lives can be saved through raising awareness among clinical practitioners and the public of the early warning signs; encourages continued support for the Scottish meningitis working group to improve awareness of the disease; also notes that continued efforts are needed to improve the uptake of primary vaccinations against invasive diseases, particularly pneumococcal disease, and urges continued support for aftercare, as well as continued support for further research to eradicate meningitis and septicaemia.
Malcolm Chisholm, MSP
Liam McArthur, MSP
Kenneth Gibson, MSP
Joe FitzPatrick, MSP
Jackson Carlaw, MSP
Robin Harper, MSP
Christine Grahame, MSP
Alex Neil, MSP
John Lamont, MSP
Shirley-Anne Somerville, MSP
John Scott, MSP
David Whitton, MSP
Elaine Smith, MSP
Mary Mulligan, MSP
Des McNulty, MSP
Ken Macintosh, MSP
James Kelly, MSP
Hugh Henry, MSP
Charlie Gordon, MSP
Marlyn Glen, MSP
Mike Pringle, MSP
Mary Scanlon, MSP
Brian Adam, MSP
Jamie McGrigor, MSP
Karen Whitefield, MSP
Angela Constance, MSP
Helen Eadie, MSP
John Park, MSP
Keith Brown, MSP
Karen Gillon, MSP
Jamie Hepburn, MSP
Bill Kidd, MSP
Dr Richard Simpson, MSP
Elaine Murray, MSP
Jack McConnell, MSP
Ross Finnie, MSP
Pauline McNeill, MSP
Irene Oldfather, MSP
Alasdair Allan, MSP
Nanette Milne, MSP
Rhona Brankin, MSP
Gil Paterson, MSP
Nigel Don, MSP
Media Contact: Neil Hardman (Meningitis Research Foundation) 01454 281811 or 07711 057875
Notes to Editor:
- Meningitis Research Foundation is currently funding 22 research projects into the prevention, detection and treatment of meningitis and septicaemia. The Foundation has spent over £13 million on research since its inception in 1989.
- Meningitis Research Foundation operates a Freefone 24 hour helpline - 080 8800 3344 - providing information on meningitis and septicaemia to the general public and health professionals.
· Information on meningitis and septicaemia is also available on the Foundation's world-renowned website - www.meningitis.org - in 22 languages. An interpretation service in 150 languages is available through the 24-hour helpline.
- The Foundation offers support for those affected by meningitis and septicaemia. Trained helpline staff are available 365 days a year. A befriender service links people with experience of meningitis and septicaemia to share their experiences and counsel each other.