Anne Stewart, former Chairperson of The Neurological Group, and now MS Nurse for the Highlands based in Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, has sent us this article about her remit within the Highlands. 

Anne was featured on GMTV on Tuesday 2 July interviewed as part of a feature on the MS Trust,  one of five featured charities in this year's GMTV Get Up and Give Appeal.   Anne spoke of how difficult it is to cover such a large geographical area, saying she is willing, however, to make a home visit if this is felt necessary.  

See the report of Anne's visit to Caithness on Thursday 31 October when some strange photography got in the way of an otherwise lovely photograph! 

How to contact me:

Hours of Work:   Monday to Friday, 9.a.m. to 5 p.m.

• to offer support and guidance to any person with MS
• to develop the service for people with MS in linking with the various statutory, voluntary and charitable organisations.  I will be expected to maintain and further develop current links.
• to provide those newly diagnosed with information, advice and support
• to focus on co-ordinating services for people with moderate/severe disabilities
• to be able to enhance liaison and support for patients, carers and staff in the community by carrying out home visits when necessary
• to develop, implement and evaluate a teaching programme for the multi-disciplinary team and for the people with MS.
• Exclusion:  I will NOT be involved in the supervision of Interferon to people with MS, this service is provided by the Innovex Nurse.

I will work in collaboration with the team of Rehabilitation Medicine, linking with Consultant Neurologists, Hospital/Community staff and General Practitioners in the Highlands.

I am part of the team of the Scottish MS Nurses Forum established to discuss issues relating to patient care and role development.

Preferably by letter from GP or Hospital Consultant.  There is direct telephone access and answer machine when I am unavailable.  Patients, carers, relatives, healthcare professionals can telephone for information and advice thereby creating a service that is accessible and responsive to the needs of people with MS and their families.

I will see patients in an available venue e.g. home, hospital and it is hoped a monthly outpatient clinic at Raigmore Hospital will be available.