A new model of specialist care and support has been launched, with the third sector and healthcare staff working together

A new model of support for families struck by a devastating illness has been developed.

Huntington’s Disease is a condition that stops part of the brain working over time, and eventually results in death.

The neurological condition is inherited from family members and usually strikes between the age of 30 and 50.

With families needing specialist care and support with Huntington’s Disease, work has been taking place between health bosses and the Scottish Huntington’s Association.

Health secretary Shona Robison launched Scotland’s first local care framework for Huntington’s Disease at Ayrshire Central Hospital this week.

The launch at the Douglas Grant Rehabilitation Centre saw families affected by the condition join health and social care staff to mark NHS Ayrshire and Arran becoming the first board in Scotland to roll out its own localised version of the internationally acclaimed framework.

The framework seeks to help ensure families affected by the complex neurological condition are given the best possible care, information and support regardless of where they live throughout the country.

Support is given to the family as a whole, and also to individuals, with support provided to people of all ages.

Chief executive of the Scottish Huntington’s Association, John Eden, said it is hoped that the project can be rolled out across the country.

He said: “We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to everyone who participated in the development of the Ayrshire and Arran framework.

“Today’s launch is a huge vote of confidence in their work. Together they have added to a momentum that will lead this project to success the length and breadth of Scotland and, hopefully, beyond.”

Consultant psychiatrist and Huntington’s Disease lead clinician for NHS Ayrshire and Arran, Dr Tim Johnston, said: “The framework is designed to guide health and social care staff and empower families. It is an extremely comprehensive and easy to use tool that I am confident will help to further improve care and support provided to HD families over time.”

The national framework can be viewed online, with the NHS Ayrshire and Arran information in the regional frameworks section of the website.