It has been revealed that there are no specialist multiple sclerosis nurses working in NHS Tayside.
Figures revealed that there were 15 whole time equivalent nurses working across Scotland, with only patients in Tayside, Dumfries and Galloway and Lanarkshire not having access to one.
MS nurses provide specialist clinical advice and support to people with multiple sclerosis. They are usually the main point of contact for a person with MS and they often act to co-ordinate services by referring someone to a doctor, therapist, or other appropriate service.
It is estimated that over 11,000 people in Scotland have MS with 209 people per 100,000 affected, the highest rate in the UK.
Commenting Liz Smith MSP said:
“MS nurses provide specialist and valuable care for those suffering with MS and it is disappointing that this type of care is not available in the Tayside region.
“For those suffering with this debilitating condition it is extremely disappointing and I would call on NHS Tayside re-examine its current approach to helping patients deal with MS.
“In 2015 it was highlighted that MS nurses in Scotland have the highest caseload of anywhere in the UK, with many nurses dealing with over 1300 patients. It is high time that the Scottish Government supported these professionals and delivered more specialist nurses, across the country, to help care for people with this condition.”