News...

The authors looked at fatigue, one of the most frequent and disabling symptoms in people with MS. They found a correlation between higher fatigue and higher degree of depression and physical disability

More info

Some plaques remyelinate but others do not

Professor George Ebers from the University of Oxford gave a lecture on the effects of environmental factors (such as exposure to sunshine) and genetics on MS.

This is the fifth of the UK MS Society Awareness Talks available to watch on the internet.

To see the talk or for more information, please click on the links below.

Neurorehabilitation in Ireland 14th September 2007

Multiple sclerosis 'risk' genes discovered 29 Jul 2007

A large-scale study of the human genome has uncovered new genetic variations associated with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Dr Lee Dunster, head of research and information at the MS Society, said: "One of the great unknowns about MS is what causes it and this looks like a welcome breakthrough in getting to grips with the genetics behind the disease. People with MS often worry about what caused it, and particularly whether it will affect their children, so a better understanding of the role of certain genes is good news.

"These latest findings will be of great interest to researchers trying to develop future treatments."

New Interim Operations Manager MSSNI

Mr. Paul Woods will join the team in Belfast as Interim Operations Manager, taking over from Ken Roulston on Monday 2nd July. Paul has wide-ranging commercial experience, together with a recent background as a management consultant with skills in coaching and operations.

Paul takes over from Ken Roulston at a key stage in the work to improve services for people with MS in Northern Ireland. Ken has made an excellent contribution in challenging circumstances and I would like to thank him for his sterling work and very positive contribution to the Society at a difficult time. Ken takes up a full time senior role, but I know that he wishes to make a continuing contribution to the work of the Society in a voluntary capacity in the future.

I know that you will join me in extending a warm welcome to Paul, and wish him luck in his new role.

New enteries on the PDF Galliery August 2007

Tom Elliott MLA, reassured after meeting with MSSNI

Following a meeting with a senior representative from MS Society Northern Ireland, Ulster Unionist MLA, Tom Elliott, has sought to reassure patients that the services provided by the organisation will not be affected by the ongoing review of the charity.

After the meeting, Mr Elliott, assemblyman for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, said: "Some concerns from constituents had been brought to my attention with regards the relationship between the Multiple Sclerosis Society Northern Ireland and the UK organisation, which they worried might adversely impact upon their fundraising activities and ultimately damage patient care.

"However, after meeting with Ken Roulston, who has assumed the role of Interim Operations Manager NI, I have been completely reassured that patient services will not suffer as a result of these operational matters. I was also pleased to learn that a review process, which was commenced by the UK wide organisation in February of this year, is a work in progress and that stakeholder opinions are being sought in a members forum."

In conclusion Tom added: "It is clear that whatever issues were involved have been addressed and are being dealt with effectively to allow the organisation to perform its vital role in supporting sufferers of Multiple Sclerosis.

"The outworking of the review and the viewpoints expressed in the members forum will have the needs of MS sufferers in Northern Ireland at their core and these must take primacy over any other issues, I trust that this will be the case for the benefit of local sufferers and their families."

Man in wheelchair takes ride on semi's grille




Dr. G.V. McDonnell

Now operates from Antrim area Hospital on 1st. And 3rd.Thursdays and Causeway Hospital 2nd. 4th. Thursdays This is much easier than having to travel all the way to Belfast in the early hours of the morning, ask the Nurse the next time you are down at the RVH and see if you can be transfered to Dr.McDonnell.



Telephone

Did you know If you are a disabled person who has difficulty using the phone book for any reason physical impairment, visual impairment etc, you are entitled to free directory enquiry services. All telephone companies must provide this - just dial 195 to register. This normally involves a form, which must be signed by someone acceptable to the telephone company, such as your doctor. You will receive a personal identification number, which you will need to quote when using the service. You should not have to pay for directory enquiries again even when using your mobile phone.