DoH and WHSCT working to reinstate local MS helpline following staff shortage

Health Minister Robin Swann says his Department and the Western Trust are working to reinstate a local Multiple Sclerosis helpline that was restricted due to a staffing shortage in December.
By Kevin Mullan
Published 8th Apr 2024, 10:48 BST
Updated 8th Apr 2024, 10:49 BST
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Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin asked the minister whether his Department will ‘ensure the reinstatement of the Western Health and Social Care Trust's MS helpline at Altnagelvin Hospital’.

He replied: “The Western Health & Social Care Trust Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Helpline was restricted in late December 2023 due to an unforeseen administrative staffing shortage.

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"The message service on the helpline was altered to reflect this and to ensure that patients with MS receiving disease modifying treatments had the ability to contact the MS nursing team with any issues.”

Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlinFoyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin
Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin

The minister said staff are being recruited.

“The Western Health & Social Care Trust and the MS nursing team recognise the importance of the helpline to patients with MS and intend to fully re-instate this service as soon as possible. Recruitment is ongoing,” he said.

Related topics:Robin SwannWestern TrustDOHFoyle MLA

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