About Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centres Scotland
Chairwoman Liz Armour
Frequently asked questions
Why do the Centres exist?
Where are the Centres?
How are the Centres run?
What therapies are available at the Centres?
How much will therapy cost me?
Can I make a donation online?
Do the Centres treat other conditions besides MS?
How about liaison between the Centres and other MS bodies?
What guarantee do I have that everything is done properly?
How can I get more information on Scottish Centres?
In a perfect world the NHS would have time and resources to give everyone with Multiple Sclerosis the opportunity to help control their symptoms with their own choice of additional therapies, such as HBO and reflexology, and to have a hand in planning their own programme of physiotherapy with the aid of someone experienced in this specialised field. There is a real need, also, for patients and their carers to have ready access to information, and to meet others informally and hear how they are coping with the same problems.
In reality, many people feel isolated and powerless. An appointment with their GP provides help on immediate problems, but is seldom long enough to discuss everything. The same applies to visits to a neurologist. Dedicated long-term physiotherapy is essential from first diagnosis to maintain maximum mobility, but with NHS physiotherapy departments already over-worked, there can be a long waiting list for "non-urgent" treatment. And information for the newly diagnosed, anxious about what to expect, can be either over-pessimistic or so sketchy as to be no help at all.
The first Centre was set up 20 years ago by people with MS to provide help, support and advice for people with Multiple Sclerosis and their families and carers. They are not intended as an alternative to the usual treatments, but as a source of extra therapies, contact and information. To date, more than 1,400,000 HBO sessions have been completed, and countless sessions of physiotherapy, reflexology and other therapies. The Centres help to improve the quality of life and have an atmosphere which is essentially cheerful and informative.
WHERE ARE THE CENTRES?
There are 10 MS Therapy Centres throughout Scotland. They are in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Inverness, Orkney, Lochgilphead, Oban, Skye, Stirling, and Wick. Discussions are under way to add a Centre in Shetland.
To see which Centre is nearest to you, see the Home Page. For postal and email addresses, and telephone numbers, go to Contact details
There are also many Centres throughout England, Wales and Ireland, listed on http://www.ms-selfhelp.org.
HOW ARE THEY RUN?
The Centres are self-help organisations of people with MS and their families and friends. Each has a committee elected from among their members and supporters. The Centres are managed by qualified personnel, including physiotherapists, chamber operators and managers. Care assistants are trained in some of the Centres, providing employment, and trained volunteers are invaluable. Twice a year representatives from all the Centres meet together to exchange experiences and discuss matters that affect them all.
WHAT THERAPIES ARE OFFERED AT THE CENTRES?
Therapies include physiotherapy (maintained), hyperbaric oxygen, reflexology, aromatherapy, acupuncture, and counselling, and advice is available on nutrition, continence and welfare and other aspects of MS. Some Centres can also offer such services as the services of an MS nurse, massage, shiatsu, hairdressing and chiropody, and help with transport. Some hold courses for members in fatigue management, memory enhancement, and other aspects of MS, and all are places to meet others who are coping with the demands of Multiple Sclerosis.
Not all therapies are available in all Centres, but almost all provide physiotherapy and HDOT (hyperbaric oxygen therapy) The individual page for each Centre will tell you what you can expect. Phone, write or email your nearest Centre for details
HOW MUCH WILL THERAPY COST ME?
The centres are funded partly by donations from members, partly by fundraising by members and well-wishers.
Ask at your local centre. Each centre is independently run, and sets its own recommended donation level. For example, Lothian members usually donate nine pounds each time they use the six-seater hyperbaric chamber, as it has been calculated that six times nine pounds would cover the immediate running costs of that dive. As there is generally more than one unoccupied place, this is a bit optimistic, and the shortfall is made up by fundraising events. Other centres have similar costs, some as little as three pounds, depending on how well they are subsidised. Some therapies may be provided by visiting therapists, who set their own charges, which are often very favourable.
CAN I MAKE A DONATION ONLINE?
Sorry, not yet, but donations sent to any of the Centres would be very welcome. Contact details are below, under "How can I get more information". If you would like to contribute generally to the costs of all the MS Therapy Centres in Scotland, the address of the treasurer is also shown there.
DO THE CENTRES TREAT ANY OTHER CONDITIONS BESIDES MS?
Conditions treated apart from MS include stroke, cerebral palsy, rheumatoid arthritis, wound healing, leg ulcers, sports injuries and a number of others, all implemented in accordance with strict protocols.
Ask your nearest Centre, or the Association, if you have any questions. Contact details can be found under each Centre, or see How can I get more information
HOW ABOUT LIAISON BETWEEN THE CENRES AND OTHER BODIES TREATING MS?
We are represented at quarterly meetings of the MS Group Charities, which is formed by up to 10 separate bodies including the MS Society, MS Research Trust and Action MS Ireland. These meetings act as a forum for everything relating to MS and keep the members effectively up to date with one another.
WHAT GUARANTEE DO I HAVE THAT EVERYTHING IS BEING DONE PROPERLY?
The Centres operate within agreed constitutions and protocols. Regular and detailed inspections of all centres are implemented through the Association and monthly reports are prepared and circulated. These reports cover enquiries received through the Centres and provide updated relevant information on MS and other related conditions.
All therapy is given by experienced operators with recognised training and qualifications. There are no side effects of the treatment, but before commencing a course GPs will be advised of their patient's intention to take oxygen therapy and if they would like more information about the therapy and how it may help their patient, they can contact us direct for medical advice.
Any physical condition other than the MS must be declared (e.g. it is essential that the ears can be cleared under pressure). During the last twenty years almost one and a half million treatment sessions have been carried out in this country alone without significant incident.
HOW DO I GET MORE INFORMATION ON SCOTTISH CENTRES?
By
emailing us or by contacting
the secretary
Colin Armour
mstcs31@yahoo.co.uk
Duncrievie House
College Road
Methven
Perth, PH1 3PB
01738 840357
the chairwoman
Liz Armour
mstcs31@yahoo.co.uk
Duncrievie House
College Road
Methven
Perth, PH1 3PB
01738 840357
or the treasurer
Keith Ritchie
Kinghorn Cottage
New Machar
Aberdeen, AB21 0QU
01651 862 417
keith.ritchie2@btinternet.com
Detailed information is also available from each Centre.
Their postal and email addresses and telephone numbers are below.
Opening hours, therapies offered and so on can be seen by
selecting "More detail"
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GRAMPIAN More detail Grampian MS Therapy Centre Unit 1 Saxbone Centre Howe Moss Crescent Kirkhill Industrial Estate Dyce, Aberdeen, AB21 0GN Tel:- 01224 771105 Email:- grampian.ms@btinternet.com |
More detail ARGYLL Lochgilphead MS Therapy Centre Campbell Street Centre Lochgilphead Argyll PA31 8JU Tel:- 01546 606303 Email:- msargyll@btconnect.com |
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OBAN More detail Oban MS Centre Glencruitten Road Oban Argyll PA34 4PU Tel:- 01631 566602 Email:-oban.msc@virgin.net |
More detail INVERNESS Inverness MS Therapy Centre 1 Burnett Road Inverness IV1 1TF Tel:- 01463 240365 Email:- admin@ms-inverness.f2s.com |
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ISLE OF SKYE More detail Skye and Lochalsh MS Therapy Centre Dunvegan Road Portree Isle of Skye IV51 9EG Tel:- 01478 612984 Email:- iansmart667@btinterntet.com |
More detail STIRLING Central Scotland Friends of Arms Borrowmeadows Road Springkerse Industrial Estate Stirling FK9 4NY Tel:- 01786 445563 Email:- mscentrestirling@hotmail.com |
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EDINBURGH & LOTHIANS More detail Lothian MS Therapy Centre Unit 40c Swanfield Bonnington Road Edinburgh EH6 5RX Tel:- 0131 5545384 Email:- administrator@mstc-lothian.com |
More detail ORKNEY Orkney MS Therapy Centre The Crafty Junction Road Kirkwall Orkney KW15 1AR Tel:- 01856 875454 Email:- orkneyms@freeuk.com |
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TAYSIDE More detail Tayside MS Therapy Centre Unit 12B Peddie Street Dundee DD1 5LB Tel:- 01382 566283 Fax; 01382 643315 Email:- enquiries@mstherapytayside.plus.com |
CAITHNESS More detail Wick MS Therapy Centre Tel:- 01955 604586 Email:- c/o Jan Farrington at janf@btinternet.com |
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INDEPENDENT CENTRE STORNOWAY Western Isle MS Therapy Centre Granian Day Centre Westview Terrace Stornoway Contact:- Mrs Mary Ann McLeod or Mrs Munro 15 Jamieson Drive Stornoway Lewis HS1 2TE Tel:- 01851 702324 |
INDEPENDENT CENTRE GLASGOW Revive 16 Chapel Street Estate Maryhill Glasgow G20 9BQ Tel:- 0141 945 3344 Email:-info@revivemssupport.org.uk |