Aislinn Lunt says 25-year-old Stuart Rose's story of his personal struggle with MS highlights the need for responsive care within Scotland
As we mark World MS Day, the powerful story of Stuart Rose, whose blog TFN published recently, reminds us of the emotional and physical journey that an MS diagnosis brings.
Stuart’s words may be an honest reflection of his personal battle but the overwhelming support he has received shows that some of his experiences are shared.
His story makes two striking points: the link between physical health and emotional wellbeing, and the need for joined-up health services. This is why the MS Society will fight for responsive care and support right across Scotland. People with MS need and deserve timely access to support that responds to their needs as they change with their MS. In many ways we need to put the human back into healthcare.
Scotland has one of the highest incidences of MS in the world with one person in every 500 affected by the condition. Compared to the most common health conditions – heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes – MS appears relatively rare. Yet its impact can be massive, particularly on the young, otherwise healthy people, like Stuart, who are diagnosed every year.
With MS symptoms ranging from fatigue to blindness or debilitating pain, the impact on a person’s wellbeing is unquestionable. Trying to cope with MS can be a scary experience, rife with uncertainty. Knowing there are people around who can help you cope, answer your questions, and be there when you need them is life-changing. We’ll continue to make sure people with MS can connect with each other, and with us, to help them navigate the bad times, as well as the enjoy the good.
Most people with MS will come into contact with a range of healthcare professionals – from specialist MS nurses to consultants and GPs.
People with long-term conditions and disabilities should be the first to see the benefits of integration. A clear example of how the human could be put back into healthcare.
Specialists provide an invaluable service to the MS community, helping people adjust to a life which may include sudden and acute periods of incapacity. However, the number of MS specialists in Scotland is very limited and varied across the country, meaning contact with patients is often restricted to one consultation a year.
It is therefore no surprise that people with MS see their GP more often than a neurologist or MS nurse. During acute relapses, many people with MS will be admitted to general hospital wards, meaning again that their contact is with generalist health professionals.
And, of course, we shouldn’t forget that people with MS are as much at risk of having other diseases and conditions as the general population, which once again brings them into the realm of other health specialisms.
As we move towards a more integrated health and social care landscape in Scotland, it is vitally important that we see truly joined-up services, not just across the two distinct sectors, but also across the different parts of our health service. People with long-term conditions and disabilities who may have regular contact with different NHS departments should be the first to see the benefits of integration. A clear example of how the human could be put back into healthcare.
The MS Society will never stop fighting for people with MS to have equal access to the right treatment at the right time, regardless of their situation or where they live. We thank Stuart for having the courage to share his story and inspire others.
You can support this work by adding your voice to our Treat Me Right campaign.
Aislinn Lunt is head of policy and communications at the MS Society Scotland
