New Pathway to support MS patients on General Wards

People with progressive MS are more likely to experience unplanned admissions and longer stays in hospital. They risk deteriorating significantly during these stays. Caring for the person with progressive MS in hospital can be challenging due to the complex physical and, sometimes cognitive, disabilities they may present with.

Two experienced clinical nurse specialists in MS, Emma Matthews and Miranda Olding, who are both closely associated with teh MS Therapy Centre in Bedford, have developed a pathway that prompts staff on general wards in the best care, using simple, achievable actions. To help prevent deterioration, reduce length of stay and promote speedier and safer discharge home.

The pathway will now be piloted across two NHS Hospital Trusts. A more comprehensive implementation package, designed to support Health Care Professionals in introducing the Pathway, will be produced following the pilot in 2024.

Emma and Miranda shared their work on the pathway in an Experts in MS webinar. They also answered a number of questions from the professionals in attendance. You can watch the webinar and find out more on the MS Society’s website.