Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS)

Hereford has a small Nurse team of 2 nurses.

  • Del Thomas Lead MS CNS
  • Elaine Evans MS CNS

Clinic Locations:

  • Sarum House
  • MS Therapy Centre
  • Leominster hospital
  • Ross Hospital
  • Ledbury Hospital
  • Bromyard hospital
  • Kington GP Practice
  • Llandrindod Wells GP Practice
  • Video and Telephone Clinics

We see all people with a confirmed diagnosis of CIS, MS and Devics. Usually we get a referral from your diagnosing Consultant, but will accept referrals from yourself or your gp/physio.

When newly diagnosed, you will be seen within 2-4 weeks as a home visit by Del Thomas and Gilly Burdon the Lead Neuro OT. After this first appointment you will then be seen in a clinic, in a location of your choice.

Usually we see people 6 or 12 monthly, however this isn’t set in stone and we will adapt to your needs.

MS Nurses can support in many ways, such as:

  • Helping you understand what MS is and how to live well with MS.
  • Review your symptoms and suggest treatment options.
  • Refer to other services such as: Physios, Occupational Therapy (OT), Councillors, Speech and language therapists, Wheelchair services, Dieticians.
  • Support with benefit applications.
  • Liaise with housing departments.
  • Provide a home phlebotomy service to monitor the bloods, for people on DMT`s
  • Provide home visits for: injection training or people with complex needs.
  • Assist with work issues, provide reports for employers.
  • Discuss and screen for Disease Modifying Therapies.
  • Review people who have been admitted to hospital.
  • Liase with maternity services.
  • Offer information days for people newly diagnosed with MS twice a year.

The MS Nurses are the main point of contact for PWMS and their families. This team doesn’t discharge anyone from their service, you will remain on follow up as: MS is a long term condition, as your support should be.

Multiple Sclerosis Occupational Therapist (OT)

We have 1 MS OT in Hereford: Claire Jones.

Claire will accept a referral from anyone with a confirmed diagnosis of MS or any healthcare professional. Usually she see people for a short burst of treatment then discharges you once completed. Often you will have many referrals to Claire over the years, depending on your needs.

Clare offers a service that specialises in fatigue management, handwriting assessments, feeding assessment and work related issues. Once you have a referral with Claire, she will also check if you need any equipment that might make living a little easier.

Fatigue is the most common symptoms of MS (see the Fatigue Section), Claire will help you learn ways of managing the fatigue more effectively, so you can remain at work or have the energy to cook the evening meal.

Clinic Locations:

  • Sarum House
  • Kington Gp`s surgery
  • Video and Telephone Clinics

Neurologists

Hereford has visiting Neurologists from the QE Hospital in Birmingham.

  • Dr N Davies attends on a Monday and Thursday.
  • Dr S Samarasekera attends on a Wednesday.
  • Dr G Mazibrada attends on a Saturday once a month.

Neurologists secretary: 01432 364224

Other Hereford Teams:

  • Neuro-Physiotherapy
  • Bladder and Bowel Health
  • Speech and Language Therapy
  • Long Terms Conditions Councillor
  • Wheelchair Assessment Clinic
  • Orthotics
  • Dieticians
  • Palliative Care

If you require any of these services, the MS team can arrange for a referral to be made.