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Health care services
Most people expect to get the best from the health care services, but for people with MS this is not always as straightforward as it may seem. MS is unpredictable and has a wide variety of symptoms. People may need to see lots of different health care specialists, at different times and in different locations.
Sometimes it can be confusing trying to keep track of the various specialists, remembering who is responsible for what, and knowing when and how to ask for an appointment. To add to this, the UK’s National Health Service (or NHS) is the largest health organisation in the world. Its size and complexity can make it difficult to understand.
When trying to fit the various pieces of the health care puzzle together, it can really help to understand how the NHS works. Below we outline key terms, explain how health care systems operate, describe what you are entitled to, and tell you what you can expect. Understanding these issues can make a big difference to the health care you receive and can ensure you manage your MS well.
MS is most commoly diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40, though it can appear earlier or much later. As soon as MS is suspected you will begin a journey through the NHS. Throughout the journey, it helps to know who is who and which organisation is responsible for what - see the summary of NHS organisations and guide to health care professionals:
Health care professionals. Who's who? (58 kb)![[pdf]](http://www.mssociety.org.uk/display_images/document_icons/pdf.gif)
Please note that services vary between the four nations that make up the UK. The links below apply to England, though information contained in it can still be useful to those living in other parts of the UK. For information about health care services in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales/Cymru contact the MS Society in those nations.
When trying to fit the various pieces of the health care puzzle together, it can really help to understand how the NHS works. Below we outline key terms, explain how health care systems operate, describe what you are entitled to, and tell you what you can expect. Understanding these issues can make a big difference to the health care you receive and can ensure you manage your MS well.
MS is most commoly diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40, though it can appear earlier or much later. As soon as MS is suspected you will begin a journey through the NHS. Throughout the journey, it helps to know who is who and which organisation is responsible for what - see the summary of NHS organisations and guide to health care professionals:
Health care professionals. Who's who? (58 kb)
Please note that services vary between the four nations that make up the UK. The links below apply to England, though information contained in it can still be useful to those living in other parts of the UK. For information about health care services in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales/Cymru contact the MS Society in those nations.
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MS and the NHS
- Diagnosis and assessment
- Referrals and the multi-disciplinary team
- How do I get the most out of an appointment?
- How are my health care needs assessed?
- Continued monitoring and review
- Information prescriptions
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NHS Services provided locally or at home
- GP services
- Who provides equipment?
- Pharmacies
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Hospital Services
- What services do hospitals provide?
- How can I get to and from hospital?
- Health costs
- Hospital stays
- Preparing for a hospital stay
- Preparing for hospital discharge
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What can I do if I am unhappy about my health care?
- PALS
- What if my complaint has not been resolved?
- Complaints about GPs
- Patient organisations
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NHS organisations – what’s what?
- Strategic Health Authorities
- Primary Care Trusts and primary care
- NHS Trusts, secondary and tertiary care
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Frequently asked questions about health care services
- I want to see an MS nurse, how do I find one?
- How can I see my neurologist quickly?
- Can I get a second opinion?
- Is it possible to change my GP?
- Am I exempt from paying prescription costs?
- How do I see a neurologist privately?
- I am moving to another part of England. How do I know if health services will be OK there?
- I am moving to England. Can I get free treatment on the NHS?
- Is anything being done to improve services for people with MS?
- How can I get my voice heard?
