This MS Awareness Week (24-30 April) the MS Society Scotland are in the Scottish Parliament in a bid to raise awareness of the vital role the MS nurse has on the lives of people living with the neurological condition.
SNP MSP for Cunninghame South, Ruth Maguire, pledged her support for MS nurses in Scotland.
Speaking, Ruth said:
“MS specialist nurses play a vital role in the care and support of people with MS – from initating and monitoring treatment with relapsing forms of MS to providing information and support on how best to manage MS.
People with MS regularly cite their MS nurse as their key contact for treatment, care and support – underlining the crucial role that they play.
I know that NHS Ayrshire and Arran’s health board operates a highly effective MS multi-disciplinary team with MS specialist nurses at its heart, with the MS Society Scotland describing it as working in ‘a very collaborative way that ensures timely and appropriate support for patients and as ‘a model of good practice’.
I am pleased to pledge my support for our hardworking and dedicated MS nurses this MS week, and to continuing to work towards improving the care provided to those suffering from MS.”
Morna Simpkins, Director for MS Society Scotland said: “Over the years the role of the MS Specialist Nurse has become more complex, we need this to be recognised and resourced by the health service in order to give people with MS the support they need.
“MS is an unpredictable and sometimes painful condition that 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.”
Over 11,000 people in Scotland live with MS which can be unpredictable and can affect how a person thinks, feels and moves. For more information on the work of the MS Society, please visit www.mssociety.org.uk
Notes to editors:
MS Awareness Week runs from April 24 until April 30.
Our film featuring people with MS sharing why their MS nurse is important can be viewed and shared online: https://youtu.be/xv5ApN30KvY
For press enquiries and local case studies please contact:
Carla Callaghan, Press and PR Officer, 0131 335 4066 or scotlandpressoffice@mssociety.org.uk
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About multiple sclerosis
- MS affects more than 100,000 of us in the UK
- MS is often painful and exhausting and can cause problems with how we walk, move, see, think and feel
- It’s unpredictable and different for everyone
About the MS Society
- The MS Society is here for people with MS, through the highs, lows and everything in between
- We have a free helpline – 0808 800 8000 and information can be found on our website mssociety.org.uk
- We’re driving research into more – and better – treatments for everyone
- Together we’re strong enough to stop MS
Ruth Maguire MSP 