This MS Awareness Week (24-30 April) the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society Scotland attended the Scottish Parliament in a bid to raise awareness of the vital role the MS specialist nurse has on the lives of people living with the neurological condition.
Local MSP Kenneth Gibson supports MS nurses in Ayrshire and across Scotland, saying:
“The role and responsibilities of MS nurses can be wide-ranging and varied. Regularly cited as a key contact for people with MS, duties include monitoring people who are receiving drug modifying therapies for potentially dangerous side effects as well as giving emotional support and helping to navigate the care system. The specialist role means nurses can also provide expert advice to their patients on symptom management and living as full a life as possible with MS.
“I am pleased that the MS Society Scotland is delighted with provision in Ayrshire, which is ‘probably the best in Scotland’ and serves 993 patients.
“That is a tribute to both the nurses who deliver the service and NHS Ayrshire & Arran Board who have provided resources for a service envied by much of Scotland.”
Morna Simpkins, Director for MS Society Scotland added:
“Over the years the role of the MS Specialist Nurse has become more complex. It is important that this is recognised and resourced by the health service across Scotland in order to give people with MS the support they need.
“MS is unpredictable and impacts each sufferer differently. It is sometimes painful and can affect how a person thinks, feels and moves and we need to ensure that people are receiving the support and care they need to live as well as they can with MS.”
MS affects more than 11,000 people in Scotland, one of the highest incidences in the world.
The MS Society is for people with MS, through the highs, lows and everything in between.
Their free helpline is: 0808 800 8000 and information can be found at www.mssociety.org.uk
ENDS
