AQW 47554/11-15

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 22/06/2015
Answered On Date: 01/07/2015
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for (i) his assessment of the need for specialist Multiple Sclerosis nurses within the Northern Trust, and specifically Causeway Hospital; and (ii) to detail any recent discussions with regards to increasing the provision of MS nurses.

Answer:

Services for patients with Multiple Sclerosis are provided within the Northern Trust by a MS Special Nurse (0.5wte) based at the Route Complex, Ballymoney.

Regional MS services are provided by the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. Regional services include commencement and review of disease modifying drugs, drug infusions and a regional help line to provide advice for MS patients.

The service specification for the MS Neurological Services throughout Northern Ireland, including the provision of specialist nurses, is currently being reviewed.