Posters
Health and social collaboration for patients with multiple sclerosis in Dundee
Duane Patterson, Specialist Social Worker in multiple sclerosis Physical Disabilities Social Work Service, East Dundee.
The Tayside & North Fife Multiple Sclerosis Regional Service was established in 1999 following the appointment of a Lead Consultant Neurologist and a Clinical Nurse Specialist in MS. The Service covers 3 defined geographical areas, which are Perth & Kinross, the City of Dundee and Angus. Within Tayside & North Fife we provide health and social care provision to over 1, 200 patients with MS. There are 395 patients with MS in Dundee.
Over a ten year period networking opportunities have provided insight into health and social care professionals who maintain a desire to develop their specialist interest in working with and treating people with multiple sclerosis. Perth & Kinross MS Services have to date, been effective in addressing a coordinated and accessible NHS MS Service which provides a collaborative rehabilitation and health care approach towards meeting the needs of people with MS in this area.
However, following identification of gaps in rehabilitation opportunities and community service provision to meet the needs of people with MS residing in Dundee, a successful partnership arrangement between the local MS Society Dundee branch and national branch for Scotland, the Dundee Community Health Partnership team and Dundee City Council Social Work Department was formed. The purpose of this partnership was to establish and support an inter-professional and dedicated MS Team, which would be recognised as the first service in Scotland to provide care from a multi-agency perspective.
The appointment of a dedicated Specialist Social Worker in MS, and a Specialist Physiotherapist to work in association with the MS Specialist Nurse has provided an exciting opportunity to scope the health and social care needs of the MS population in Dundee. This project consists of scoping current services, testing and evaluating different service models within the multidisciplinary team and linking in with self-management resources and opportunities within the community.