Welcome to the final TiMS newsletter of 2016.
2016 has been a fantastic year for TiMS. Our main focus has been the development of a competency framework for therapists and an annual review form for people with MS. Both of these exciting projects are now nearing completion and we look forward to new challenges in 2017.
We thank you for your support and wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Pam Bostock and Wendy Hendrie (Co-chairs of TiMS)
The MS Trust conference is a fantastic opportunity to hear about the latest treatments, therapies, developments in clinical practice and research from key opinion leaders. It also offers the chance to share best practice and network with colleagues from around the UK. This year over 270 health professionals with an interest in MS attended the conference; 57 therapists were given the opportunity to attend thanks to the generous bursary scheme offered by the MS Trust.
There was a programme on the second day specifically aimed at AHPs. Copies of the presentation slides can be viewed on SlideShare.
Our last TiMS meeting of 2016 was held at the MS Trust Conference. The meeting was attended by members of the working group together with a number of AHPs who were at conference, for an 8am start we had a very good turnout!
This is where we very sadly said goodbye to Amy Bowen, Director of Service Development at the MS Trust who is moving onto a new role within NHS England in the New Year. TiMS are very grateful for the help and support Amy has given them during her time at the MS Trust.
The TiMS trophy, which is awarded annually at conference, was presented to Susan Wheeler. Sue recieved the award on her retirement from the NHS in acknowledgement of the enormous contribution she has made to the management of people with MS during her working life, her work with the TiMS working group and for the support she has given the MS Trust.
One thing on our agenda for 2017 is to explore respiratory management of people with MS from diagnosis to end of life care. This might include the development of some resources for therapists and possibly a study day. We will keep you updated with our plans. If you have any thoughts please let us know at therapists@mstrust.org.uk.
Also at conference, Amy Bowen presented the findings of the MS Trust’s MS Forward View project. This included the consensus priorities for the MS sector to deliver efficient, effective and equitable care for everyone with MS, as endorsed by TiMS. You can read the final report (including the consensus statements), and watch the 3 minute video about the project (feel free to share far and wide!) on the MS Forward View webpage. The MS Forward View consensus sets out the ambition for how we can make services work better for everyone with MS, and will help the MS sector to be more focused and coordinated in our efforts to improve care.
