MP Catherine McKinnell backs the MS Societys Treat Me Right campaign

The MP for Newcastle North has signed up to the MS Society's campaign

Catherine McKinnell, MP for Newcastle North, is backing the MS Societys Treat Me Right campaign, which is calling for fair and equal access to the right treatment at the right time for people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

The MP, who is a member and former Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on MS, was honoured this week to be invited to be the president of the Newcastle and Gateshead branch of the MS Society. She signed up to the MS Societys campaign at an event in Parliament to mark MS Week, taking place this month.

As part of the campaign, the MS Society is warning that thousands of people with MS could be left behind as new NHS medicines emerge that are out of reach for many with the condition.

The charity estimates a quarter of all people with MS in the UK around 27,000 people might begin taking a licensed disease modifying drug (DMD) if care was consistent and all people with MS had access to appropriate information and support to make decisions about their care.

There are now nine MS drugs approved for use on the NHS, but thousands with MS are not taking any treatment and many are in the dark about the drugs that have the potential to alter the devastating impact of their condition.

Ms McKinnell said: Too many people with MS are not getting access to the treatments they need to help them manage their condition.

Im backing the MS Societys Treat Me Right campaign to ensure everyone, regardless of where they live in the country, can get hold of the treatments they require at the time they need them.

The MS Society operates a freephone helpline on 0808 800 8000 for anyone needing help.

Read this article:
MP Catherine McKinnell backs the MS Societys Treat Me Right campaign