MS nurse post agreed for the Western Isles

An MS specialist nurse post has been created for the Western Isles. The appointment comes as the result of a long campaign to get MS specialist support for those affected by MS living in the Outer Hebrides.

At present, a visit to see an MS nurse or neurologist involves flying over 180 miles to either Glasgow or Edinburgh, a round trip which takes at least 12 hours.

MS Society Scotland has agreed to fund an MS nurse for the first nine months on the understanding that NHS Western Isles will continue to finance the post.

The MS Trust has been working with local campaigners to help highlight the lack of services for people with MS in this region of the UK. Earlier this year Vicki Matthews, MS Trust Nurse Advisor, visited the Western Isles to add her support to the campaign:

“I was invited by the MS community and the MS project lead to meet NHS Western Isles health and social care professionals and to meet the local residents, and their families, who live with MS. Many who attended the update day did not appreciate just how much MS care has moved forward and were keen to have a specialist who can ensure local knowledge and skill is regularly updated.

“I heard many stories from people living with MS that supported the need for an MS Specialist nurse. Some related the distressing consequences of the lack of specialist input such as travelling alone to Glasgow to receive their diagnosis, a long way from home. Others spoke of the lack of understanding about the silent symptoms of MS and the struggle to get appropriate management of the complex aspects of MS.”