Multiple Sclerosis

(asked on 29th August 2014) - View Source

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will take steps to ensure that regular reviews of treatment and care by multiple sclerosis (MS) specialists are available for all people with MS in England.


Answered by
Norman Lamb Portrait
Norman Lamb
This question was answered on 5th September 2014

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) clinical guideline ‘Multiple sclerosis: Management of multiple sclerosis in primary and secondary care’, published in 2003, set outs best practice in the care, treatment and support for people with this condition. The guidance emphasises that patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) should be involved in all decisions relating to their treatment and care and are supported to manage their condition. It also sets out that clinicians and other members of a patient’s healthcare team such as nurses and social workers, are responsible for discussing with patients the frequency and methods of reviewing their care needs.

We have made no recent assessment of the provision of licensed treatments for multiple sclerosis in the National Health Service in England. However, NICE has published technology appraisal guidance recommending a number of drugs for use in treating MS, subject to certain clinical criteria. There is a legal requirement on the NHS to provide funding for treatments and drugs recommended by NICE technology appraisal guidance within three months of NICE technology appraisal guidance being published. Clinicians should discuss with patients, including those with relapsing and remitting MS, the availability of any new treatments and the guideline makes clear that commissioners should ensure that all people with MS have ready access to a specialist neurological service which includes the provision of specific pharmacological treatments.

The guideline also stresses the importance of clinicians communicating clearly with patients which includes making leaflets and other information resources available. The provision of these resources is a matter for local NHS organisations.

Reticulating Splines