MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AWARENESS WEEK

Early day motion 590, tabled 23 April 2001 by Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 111 members.

That this House notes Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week 2001 between 22nd to 29th April; notes that this includes the launch of a campaign entitled Specialist Nursing in MS - the Way Forward: Key Elements for Developing MS Specialist Nurse Services in the United Kingdom, which will seek to end the inadequate provision of care with people with multiple sclerosis and to highlight the rights and interests of people with multiple sclerosis; further notes that a minimum of 300 MS specialist nurses in the United Kingdom rather than the current 80 are needed to provide an effective service to people suffering from MS; recognises that MS specialist nurses can reduce the need for hospital admissions, outpatient appointments and general practitioner consultations, as well as improve clinical outcomes and patient well-being; and calls upon the Government to recognise this guidance for commissioners, National Health Service managers and neurologists to improve the lives of 85,000 people who are suffering from this debilitating disease.

Signatures by party: Labour 66, Liberal Democrat 27, Labour/Co-operative 6, Conservative 4, UUP 3, Plaid Cymru 2, Scottish National Party 2, DUP 1.