Understanding admissions in Multiple Sclerosis
By Sue Thomas For the last 4 years we have analysed hospital statistics from NHS Digital to understand the numbers of people with MS who accessing hospital in an emergency. This data provides us with some understanding of how we can work with people who have MS and the health care professionals supporting them to […]
New year, new challenge – is our MS Foundation MasterClass what you’re looking for?
The new year can be a time of evaluation, of looking back. It can also be an exciting opportunity to start something new, or to build on existing skills to improve ourselves. If this new year has you thinking about a new professional challenge, our MasterClasses might be a good place to start. We offer […]
Learning from others: lessons from cardiac surgery
When faced with a daunting challenge, one of the best places to start is often to look at how others have tackled the same challenge; to take forward what they did well and to learn from their mistakes. On 2nd November, the multiple sclerosis (MS) community who had gathered in the name of ending MS […]
MS Variance: Developing the systems and tools to end variance
One of the discussions which happened time and time again during our ‘MS Service Provision in the UK; the Way Forward’ meeting on 1-2 November was around the systems, tools and mechanisms needed to end unwanted variance in MS services and support. From the usefulness of the systems for measuring disease progression to the systems […]
The MS Academy 2018
By Prof Gavin Giovannoni, Academic Director How quickly a year passes, particularly if you are healthy and financially secure. We need to spare a thought for people with multiple sclerosis who may not be so lucky and are disabled and unemployed. Let’s hope the recent announcement by Theresa May to end austerity will lead to […]
Get involved – MS Service Provision in the UK 2019; Raising the Bar
→ Register for this meeting Following our recent MS Academy Variance meeting in Birmingham on the 1 and 2 of November 2018, we have now had time to reflect on the meeting. We would like to expand and diversify the steering committee so that we can tackle some of the issues that were highlighted at […]
Cannabis based products in multiple sclerosis
On the 1 November 2018, it became legal for doctors to prescribe cannabis based drugs, which occurred with widespread media coverage. But, there are limitations to this ruling, which have not been fully explained to the public, and many neurology departments are receiving queries from patients who are requesting prescriptions for cannabis based drugs from […]
MS Trust report highlights inequality in MS care
By Jo Sopala and David Martin, MS Trust A new report commissioned by the MS Trust has found that many MS specialist nurses are routinely managing more patients than the recommended caseload. As a result, people with MS are missing out on the vital care and support they need and deserve. The report follows on from […]
MS Variance: The ‘co-ordinated multidisciplinary team meeting’ and what that term really means
A coordinated multidisciplinary team, or ‘MDT’ is one of the things that almost all of healthcare can agree on as an essential part of care for someone living with a long-term condition, like multiple sclerosis (MS). This is supported by NICE guidance which clearly states that all patients should have access to one. In addition […]
Rare but serious risks of stroke and blood vessel wall tears highlighted in use of Lemtrada
In recent days the FDA have issued a safety announcement about Lemtrada (alemtuzemab). Rare but serious cases of stroke and blood vessel wall tears in the vessels of the head and neck have occurred in patients with MS shortly after they commenced treatment with Lemtrada. Problems such as these can lead to permanent disability or […]