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Tourette’s syndrome
25 January 2022
Lead MP
Conor McGinn
St Helens North
Lab
Responding Minister
Gillian Keegan
Tags
NHSSocial CareEducationWomen & EqualitiesMental Health
Word Count: 3023
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Conor McGinn raised concerns about tourette’s syndrome in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
McGinn requested clearer referral pathways for diagnosis and treatment, more specialists in Tourette's syndrome, funding increases for research from the National Institute for Health Research, and a commitment from the Minister to meet Emma McNally and other families affected by Tourette's syndrome.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
McGinn highlighted that Tourette's syndrome is an inherited neurological condition causing involuntary motor and vocal tics, often accompanied by co-occurring conditions like ADHD and OCD. He cited statistics showing over 300,000 people in the UK are affected, with one school-age child in every hundred having undiagnosed Tourette's. McGinn emphasised that stigma leads to discrimination: 75% of individuals face educational barriers, 71% social difficulties, and 61% transportation issues. He also mentioned a study revealing people with Tourette's are over four times more likely than the general population to take their own lives.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
Congratulated Conor McGinn on securing the debate, emphasising the need for more finance, professionals involved in treatment, and increased research into Tourette's.
Government Response
Gillian Keegan
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under the chairmanship of Mrs Cummins. I thank Conor McGinn for securing the debate on Tourette's syndrome, highlighting the challenges faced by Emma McNally and her son in accessing care. The minister acknowledges the debilitating nature of Tourette's and the importance of raising awareness through cases like Jay Mangan's children, Rebecca and Jack. Services are primarily commissioned by clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) and multidisciplinary teams provide appropriate support. There are three specialist centres in Sheffield and London for more severe cases. Following a consultant's retirement at Alder Hey Children's Hospital, local CCGs are reviewing options to address the impact on families, including developing a proposal for a tertiary service that will be reviewed later this month. The minister invites Conor McGinn to meet her to discuss the situation further. To support patients, there has been an increase in neurology professionals and clinical psychology training leading to 2,520 additional psychologists by 2025. Funding of £79 million is allocated for expanding child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), and an additional £17 million from the Department for Education will improve mental health support in schools. The minister also announced up to £25 million investment to support unpaid carers, acknowledging their significant role and sacrifices. Research into Tourette's continues with studies on deep brain stimulation and digital behavioural interventions. Funding for research varies depending on applications but is welcomed for understanding Tourette's and its underlying conditions. The minister reiterates the importance of supporting families in the north-west and looks forward to discussing further how to secure needed support.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.