I am now very well established into my role and thought this would be a good chance provide you with an overview of my role and how the ms service can help.  My job starts at the point of diagnosis and continues through your MS Journey and it can be as varied as the weather. I provide information and advice on a range of symptoms and treatments and can link into other health professionals as needed. We now have a very good working in the MS arena with the latest member being a neuropsychologist.

I am delighted to see how much the service has developed over the years. Here are some of things we can offer.

Coffee afternoon

This is a well supported session held once a month at the Cotils and is aimed at the secondary progressive stages of MS. Activities range from just a chat and cake to fantastic craft sessions. We are grateful to Liz Hendry for her continuing support in these afternoons.

Pins and needles

This is my newest social group and is aimed at the people in the earlier stages of MS. We generally meet in a pub or attempt things like yoga. We have done ladies nights and makeup parties, and plan many more events.

Both of these social groups are designed to provide support and meet others in the similar or same stages.  We try to steer away from MS topics on these days to allow a sense of normality even if it is for only a few hours.

For more MS focused session I now am delighted to offer the following.

Getting to grips (starting in2010)

A 6 week course, for the newly diagnosed. This course will provide information about MS and develop various strategies for coping with variety of symptoms.

Fatigue programme

The is a group and individualised programme and is run over a few weeks and is aimed at those who have had MS for some time and battle with the fatigue. It provides tips and tricks and coping strategies.

Carer?s support

This is a new programme offered by St John and is aimed at carers/partners who care/live with somebody with MS and provides an opportunity to share your stories, learn more and be given practical advice to help cope with the unpredictable nature of MS.

Physio

I am delighted to be working along side a very talented Physio, Kitty Rabey  and have drawn on her wealth of experience and knowledge. She has been a valuable asset to the team and we continue to strive to improve services for MS.

Clinics

Monthly MS clinics are now fully established. The visiting neurologist has also increased clinic support. We now are fortunate to have access to a wheelchair service provided by Southampton who visit nearly every month and hold a clinic. Jane Green our Occupational therapist has got this off the ground.

Information and literature

I now have a vast array of leaflets and information on pretty much everything to do with MS. So if you require any information please don?t hesitate to contact me.

Contacting me

I have an open referral policy and can be referred to by anybody e.g. person with ms, carer gp etc. I will make contact with you as soon as possible.

My contact details are:-

Mon ?Fri 9-5 based at Princess Elizabeth Hospital

Tel 725241 ex 4872 Email drobilliard2@hssd.gov.gg

Community mobile 07781 133082

Weekend/ out of hours (on call, emergencies only) Contacted via switchboard 725241 only.

Providing local support, advice and education for people with MS.

Debbie

MS Nurse