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MS Trust expands the map of MS services

Way Ahead 2009;13(4):1
MS Trust map of MS services

It's one thing campaigning for the improvement of MS services, but quite another ensuring that people know where to find and how to access them! Helping people with MS find and access services is an integral part of creating patient centred services. That is why the MS Trust is developing the map of local and specialist services and we need your help to build upon the information that already exists.

The web based map currently holds details of more than 600 services across the UK and helps people with MS and health professionals alike answer questions such as:

  • Where is my nearest MS nurse based?
  • Is there an MS specialist physiotherapist near me?
  • What other services are available locally?

Records include health services such as hospitals with specialist MS services, MS nurses, specialist physiotherapists and occupational therapists. There are also other services that may be helpful to people with MS including: MS Therapy Centres, support groups, Disability Living Centres, Mobility Centres and more.

Health and social care professionals are using the map to plot useful services in their own locality and to identify the right contacts when referring people to services in different areas. People with MS use the map to see what is available to them locally and how they can make contact with these services.

Each service shown can list what is provided, the area covered and criteria for accessing the service - who needs to be making the referral or whether someone with MS can self refer.

How to search the map

You can access the map online at: www.mstrust.org.uk/information/services. When the map appears, you can focus on your location by typing your postcode into the box at the top and choose the type of service you want to see from the drop down menu. Alternatively, you can double click on the relevant part of the country to zoom in or use the slider in the top left corner.

For more help, use the help tab above the map. The tabs also include links to other sources of information and details of how to suggest additions and updates to the information.

Below the map are links to relevant maps provided by other websites, such as the Bladder and Bowel Foundation map of continence services, maps of carer centres and the MS Society's map of branches.

How can you help improve the map?

The more services listed, the more useful the map will become for both people with MS and for professionals. The more information you can provide us with, including name and contact information, the more useful it will be for everyone.

  • Are you on the map? If not, let us know and we will add your details.
  • Are helpful services in your locality listed? Again, help us identify the gaps.
  • Are there other categories of information that would be useful to you and to the people you see?

With your help, the map can develop as a handy resource to help people quickly find services and get the support they need.

Visit the map at: www.mstrust.org.uk/information/services
Report additions, updates and changes by emailing the MS Trust

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