MS experts and politicians meet in Number 10 to discuss progressive MS
This week, we held a roundtable meeting in Number 10 Downing Street. Bringing together MS experts to discuss the challenges faced by people living with progressive MS in the UK today.
In the meeting, we were joined by representatives from other neurological charities, people living with MS, clinicians, politicians and the Prime Minister’s special advisors.
The discussion highlighted important areas such as the development of treatments for progressive MS and people’s access to therapies and services. It was also an opportunity to spotlight Octopus, the revolutionary trial which is transforming the way we test treatments for progressive MS.
Highlighting the barriers faced by people living with progressive MS
The group discussed the potential and promise of new treatments, but also the barriers faced due to severe pressures on the neurology workforce.
Nick Moberly, Chief Executive at the MS Society, who chaired the discussion said:
“Monday’s roundtable gave us a crucial opportunity to speak up about the challenges of living with progressive MS. MS can be relentless, painful and unpredictable, but those with progressive forms of the condition have less access to key health and care professionals, such as neurologists or MS nurses. Many lose contact with an MS team due to a lack of treatment options or capacity in services, impacting on their ability to manage their condition and live well with MS.
“Along with the Neurological Alliance, we have been campaigning for a Neurological Taskforce to help address these issues. We welcomed the opportunity to take this proposal to the Prime Minister’s team.”
Sharing people's lived experience
Ailsa, who is living with progressive MS and is one of the participants in the Octopus trial, said:
“Going to Number 10 and speaking at the roundtable event was an amazing experience. I was able to share my first-hand knowledge of living with progressive MS, and taking part in a clinical trial. I also got a little glimpse into how the Government works!
“I feel it’s really important to show MPs and decision makers that there is amazing progress happening in MS research – like Octopus, which is a world-first trial. But at the same time, we need infrastructure in place to make sure that any new treatments found through clinical trials can reach people. Having the chance to speak in front of MPs and Lords was really significant. It’s important that they understand how challenging it can be to live with MS, and how much of a knock-on impact MS can have on friends, family and carers.”
