As MS Society Scotland launches its first ever national strategy its director, Morna Simpkins, talks about the challenges health charities face in an era of promising scientific progress
The fight to stop multiple sclerosis (MS) is only just beginning.
In just 20 years the MS community has seen a revolution in treatment but we know how far there is still to go.
Where once there was nothing available to treat symptoms and ease the pains and pressures of living with MS there are now 12 disease modifying treatments available on the NHS in Scotland for the relapsing form of the condition.
There have been small moments of celebration over the years but we have our feet firmly on the ground.
Treatments for progressive MS are still in trial stages and a number of pain and spasticity relieving drugs are unlicensed or unavailable.
Even as research unearths more answers, politics has contrived to let down many
Morna Simpkins
Recent guidance limiting the scope for prescribing medicinal cannabis was frustrating and disappointing, just as we had seen landmark progress in legislation change.
It would be fair to say that many people with MS will have had their hopes dashed.
Even as research unearths more answers and greater clarity, politics has contrived to let down many who could benefit.
These kinds of challenges will always remain but we’ll keep fighting to stop MS.
More than 11,000 people across Scotland have MS, one of the highest rates in the world, and that means, perhaps even more than most, we have to consider our approach carefully.
The condition is different for everyone and, similarly, the community in Scotland faces unique challenges due to our geography and the higher rate of incidence.
These are issues that many organisations across the third sector in Scotland will find familiar.
At a time when laboratories and centres of research are producing treatments and therapies that change lives, we all know that the work can’t stop here.
That’s why we’ve set out our stall and committed to fighting harder than ever for the rights and wellbeing of the people we represent over the coming years.
By listening to people living with the condition throughout the country we are committing to fight harder than ever to stop MS.
Like every community, we want ours to have access to the right care and support at the right time, no matter where they live in Scotland.
We will campaign against unfair legislation and keep funding research so that there are more treatments for people living with MS.
We will continue to talk to our members and everyone in the community to ensure their voices are heard – not just by us but by the public and people in power.
It is vital that people receiving treatment do so on their terms, that they have an equal say and find the best path to live their lives to the fullest.
We will offer support and a platform where it is needed to make sure we better the progress we have seen over the past decades.
We want people to know, wherever they are based, that we will continue to fight for the things that will, ultimately, make their lives better.
Together, we are stronger to stop MS.
Morna Simpkins is director of MS Society Scotland.
