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Policy and campaigning news - January 2007

Way Ahead 2007;11(1):1-2
  1. Campaigning to save MS specialist posts
  2. Vicki Gutteridge joins the MS Trust as Nurse Advisor
  3. Out and about: new Government review of wheelchair services
  4. NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework guidelines published

Campaigning to save MS specialist posts

We are hearing about an increasing number of MS specialist posts at risk, which is alarming for all concerned. The risk may include change of job scope, for example working on the ward, as much as actual job loss. Any change impacts negatively on people with MS and the MS Trust is very concerned about these threats, we are actively working with MS specialists at risk in a number of different areas to ensure that their posts continue.

We recognise that when you are working under extreme pressure to provide the best clinical service to your patients you may not have the time to step back and look at the bigger picture.

Our plea is this: do contact us as soon as you are aware that there might be problems with funding for your post - don't wait for an emergency. Our role is to support MS specialist health professionals in any possible way. In practical terms, we are very happy to help with making a case for your post, including drafting documents and discussing relevant data. The primary aim of any case is to make the MS specialist as financially attractive as possible to your employer.

Of particular significance is any data that shows you meet or exceed Government targets such as the reduction in unplanned hospital admissions of 5% by 2008, or another 2008 target, delivering an 18-week patient pathway from GP referral to the start of treatment. On this note, the research that we co-funded with the MS Society from Dr Foster's is showing trends towards lower hospital admissions rates where MS specialist nurses are in post. However, the data is unlikely to reach statistical significance in individual PCT areas so it is helpful if you are able to collect as much data as you can in your locality. If the information isn't available, talk to us - we will try to help.

If your post is actively at risk, we can undertake additional lobbying, writing to relevant parties about the threat to the service and how this will impact on people with MS, and suggesting other ways forward.

If you would like to discuss any of the issues raised, please email the MS Trust or ring 01462 476700.

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Vicki Gutteridge joins the MS Trust as Nurse Advisor

This exciting new role will allow me to be part of the vital work that the MS Trust does in developing and supporting MS specialist health professionals and people with MS.

My remit is to advise the MS Trust on the matters that are of concern/interest to MS nurses and to become the 'connecting' bridge between the MS Trust and all interested stakeholders. The post involves supporting the Information Team with regard to clinical issues, the development of publications and chatrooms, and contributing to information provision. I will also be assisting the Education Team in developing, providing and meeting the educational needs of MS health professionals. The exciting opportunities of web-based learning await!

I look forward to being the 'voice' of MS nursing in the Trust, being an ambassador for the Trust and working with health professionals to improve MS services across the UK.

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Out and about: new Government review of wheelchair services

The Department of Health in England has issued a new review on wheelchair provision as part of a whole systems approach to independence. There are four main recommendations which are not mandatory but give a standard of good practice to which wheelchair services should aspire. There is a useful appendix that maps wheelchair services to Strategic Health Authorities. The recommendations are:

  • whole systems working and joint commissioning. SHAs should link reviews of wheelchair services with local authority plans to develop shared standards and common eligibility criteria across conditions and a geographical area;

  • responsive, person-centred services. Services should engage with their users and work in partnership with voluntary and independent sector providers to encourage innovation and should move from blanket eligibility policies to ones based on need and risk;

  • access to assessment and information. Services should provide self-referral systems, ensuring that assessment is proportionate to need with rapid referral to regional services and specialist advice for the most complex seating and postural management. They should improve access to information about all suitable products and signposting to alternative funding; and

  • co-ordinated assessment and provision. Assessment to include whole-life needs (education, work, leisure and aspirations) using goal-oriented independence plans, with primary consideration given to the needs and wishes of the individual.

Copies of the full review are available from the Department of Health website

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NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework guidelines published

In November 2006, the Mental Health Nurses Association published an easy-to-follow guide to the Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF), which it is hoped will be of use for everyone working in the NHS. The KSF is made up of six core dimensions that are relevant to all jobs in the NHS:

  • communication
  • personal and people development
  • health, safety and security
  • service improvement
  • quality
  • equality and diversity.

There are also a further 24 dimensions, not all of which apply to all jobs, but which are grouped into themes including:

  • health and wellbeing
  • information and knowledge.

The aim of the KSF is to define the knowledge and skills that you need to apply in your post, help you guide your development and provide a fair and objective framework on which to base your appraisal.

The full guidelines can be found at the Mental Health Nurses Association website

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