The various statutory, voluntary organisations and people affected by Multiple Sclerosis have been working in partnership to share experiences across Argyll & Bute, promote good practice, take forward various new initiatives, raise awareness of what is available and how we can best use available resources.
In 2003 the previous Argyll and Bute Local Health Care Cooperative recognised the high incidence of Multiple Sclerosis in the area and also that the available resources for this population varied throughout the region.
Incorporating the views, opinions and service experiences of all concerned was considered the best way to progress tailor made development suitable for people affected by Multiple Sclerosis in Argyll and Bute. It was hoped that more equitable and effective service provision could be achieved.
“Essentially the project was concerned with services being developed, supported and owned by all, giving people affected by Multiple Sclerosis the ability to influence decisions.
The Partners in Change model was considered to be the most appropriate vehicle for this undertaking and funding came jointly from local health services assisted by the Big Lottery Fund.
The project outcomes demonstrate that the aim of partnership working can be achieved and significant benefits can be genuinely obtained from self generated initiatives.
Maureen Chalmers, Community, Support and Development Manager of M.S. Society Scotland said:
"We are pleased to endorse this report and the huge amount of work that has gone into the project over the last four years.
“It is a great example of positive partnership working and we are confident that people affected by Multiple Sclerosis in Argyll and Bute will benefit from the service improvements that it has brought about."
Liz Mudie Project Leader for NHS Highland, continued:
“I am sure that the framework and networks which have been created during the life of this project will go on to develop further initiatives, which will continue to support people affected by Multiple Sclerosis in Argyll and Bute.”
