AQW 54358/11-16

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 16/02/2016
Answered On Date: 23/03/2016
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for his assessment of the current provision of specialist Multiple Sclerosis nurses within the Causeway Hospital; and to detail how provision has changed in the last three years to meet the demand for this service.

Answer:

In January 2012 the Northern Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust appointed a 0.5 wte MS Specialist Nurse located in the Route Complex, Ballymoney. This post covers the Northern Trust area. The Belfast HSC Trust is commissioned to provide a Regional MS Specialist Service. This service includes:

conducting reviews and commencing patients on disease modifying drugs as prescribed by the neurologist; provision of drug infusions at the Royal Victoria Hospital; and, a Regional helpline for people with MS.