People living with neurological conditions like MS are missing out on vital treatment and support as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a recent survey by the Neurological Alliance (PDF, 1.23MB).
The survey of more than 1,600 people with neurological conditions found that over 7 in 10 respondents experienced delays to their medical appointments as a result of COVID-19.
The survey also found that:
- Almost 4 in 10 people (39%) due to see a neurologist were not given a future date for their delayed appointment
- 19% of respondents felt lonely, 1 in 10 felt hopeless
- 49% of people had found the Government's advice on shielding to be unclear
- 31% had had difficulty accessing their normal food supplies
- 23% had experienced difficulty in obtaining their regular medication
In light of the report's findings, more than 40 organisations, including the MS Trust, have written to Sir Simon Stevens, Chief Executive of NHS England and NHS Improvement, urging him to set out plans to restart neurology services. Read the letter (PDF, 340KB).
David Martin, MS Trust CEO, commented:
