MS Society decides to close centres

Members of the Multiple Sclerosis Society have supported the charity’s decision to shut down four respite care centres.

It is said that the residential centres in York, Surrey, Warwickshire and East Lothian will face closure if they are not acquired by other organisations.

The MS Society is, however, facing protests over the planned closures. The centres are likely to shut down by the end of 2011.

The move is expected to help the charity concentrate more on personalised forms of treatment, as well as allow members to have holidays.

Members of the MS Society voted in favour of its Board of Trustees’ decision for the future of the Society’s respite care.

A spokeswoman for the charity said: “We are pleased that members have voted in favour of the Society’s decision to update the way in which we provide respite care.

“This will ensure that more people affected by MS will be able to access short breaks that are right for them, wherever they live and whatever their needs.

“The current four centres are excellent but are not used by the overwhelming majority of people with MS who need respite care (95%).”