'I know from personal experience why these cuts must not happen'
"Having been treated in this unit for a brain tumour in 2004, I recognise first-hand the essential service provided by the regional neurological service - not just for the Greater Belfast area, but Northern Ireland as a whole," said Mr Heading.
"This is a unique unit, it currently provides a vital frontline facility for those who suffer from multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, strokes, motor neurone disease and epilepsy."
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Hide AdHe went on to explain: "The treatment I received at the unit was 100% but if there had been no bed for me there would have been no treatment and I would have had to go onto a waiting list.
"If anyone is told they have a brain tumour but will have to wait for treatment, the anxiety and stress that will cause will add to their health problems.
"I was lucky because there was a bed available for me in the unit but if I had to wait for treatment I have no idea what the consequences of that may have been.
"I was one of the lucky ones because I was able to be treated quickly.
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Hide Ad"To reduce the number of beds in the unit by 35% puts a bigger strain on resources and the staff and will delay operations," he continued.
"This reduction in beds will cause potentially life-threatening delays in diagnosis and treatment, particularly for those who are already waiting for specialist treatment and who's waiting times will be prolonged by these deeply regressive cuts," he concluded