Sir Oliver with MS Society CEO Nick Moberley
On Tuesday 26 October North East Herts MP Sir Oliver Heald attended a parliamentary drop in event to hear what actions the UK Government can take to address the shortages in vital neurology services.
More than 130,000 people like with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the UK. MS damages nerves in your body and makes it harder to do everyday things, like walk, talk, eat and think. At the event, hosted by the MS Society, Sir Oliver heard about the biggest issues affecting people with MS, and how MPs could help put these on the political agenda.
MPs and peers were told about the latest findings from the MS Society’s Neurology Now report, and listened to a number of talks from people living with MS, including Ayad. Ayad – who has recently graduated and lives with progressive MS – spoke about finding it impossible to speak to a consultant or MS nurse team over the COVID-19 pandemic, and how his mobility has since deteriorated.
Earlier that day, Ayad – along with other members of the MS community – delivered an open letter to the Department of Health and Social Care. The letter – which was signed by almost 8000 people – calls for a plan to restore and improve neurology services in England, and build a thriving, sustainable neurology workforce with investment in training.
Commenting, Sir Oliver said: “The MS Society’s Neurology Now campaign shines a light on the issues people with MS in North East Hertfordshire have faced when trying to access vital neurology services throughout the pandemic. From key appointments being cancelled or delayed, to healthcare professionals feeling forced to compromise the quality of care they’d usually deliver – it’s clear a plan for neurology is long over-due.
“MS is relentless, painful and disabling, and people must be able to access essential services and support from the NHS, through every stage of their MS journey. I’m pleased to support this campaign and will be using my role to speak up for my constituents with MS and other neurological conditions in Parliament.”
Sarah Rawlings, Executive Director of Research and External Affairs at the MS Society, says: “We’re grateful to Sir Oliver for attending our Neurology Now parliamentary drop in event, as his support is invaluable. Despite 1 in 6 people living with a neurological condition in the UK, neurology services have been under-prioritised and stretched for years. The pandemic has pushed these vital services to breaking point, and the healthcare professionals that deliver them simply can’t continue under such strain.
“We’re calling on UK Governments to provide enough funding to support the development of national plans to restore and improve neurology services, as well as extra funding to recruit and retain neurology professionals. We need urgent action to make sure everyone with MS has access to the right professionals and treatment, at the right time, across the UK.”
For more information about the MS Society’s campaign, Neurology Now, visit: https://www.mssociety.org.uk/get-involved/campaign-with-us/neurology-now
ENDS
Wednesday 3 November 2021
Contact: 01462 486074
Notes to Editors
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About multiple sclerosis
Over 130,000 people live with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the UK
MS damages nerves in your body and makes it harder to do everyday things, like walk, talk, eat and think
It’s relentless, painful and disabling
Research has got us to a critical point. We can see a future where nobody needs to worry about MS getting worse
Our Stop MS Appeal needs to raise £100 million to find treatments for everyone with MS
About the MS Society
The MS Society is here to make life better for people with MS, through research, campaigning and support
For information about MS or to donate visit https://protect-eu.mimecast.com/s/pFOTCBN7gh72mXZCE3LZJ?domain=mssociety.org.uk