The main findings of this year’s Scottish Multiple Sclerosis Register (SMSR) report are that 578 new patients diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) were added to the Register and despite the challenges of the pandemic, the proportion of newly-diagnosed people in contact with an MS specialist nurse within 10 working days of diagnosis increased to 88.2%. In total, 99% of people were contacted within 10 working days of an MS nurse receiving the referral.

Rates of vaccination for COVID-19 among people with MS are high, reflecting the hard work by clinical and third sector partners in communicating with the MS community about the importance of taking up COVID-19 vaccination.

NHS boards, the Scottish Government and third sector partners are all working to deliver the commitments in Neurological Care and Support Framework, which aims to ensure that all people living with MS in Scotland can access the best possible care and support. The Framework is designed to ensure that everyone with a neurological condition, including MS, can access the care and support that they need to live well on their own terms.

While 20 years ago there were no treatments available for MS in Scotland, we now have 17 different kinds of treatment, and Scottish Government continues to invest in research to develop new approaches to guide the treatment of MS and help people have better control of their condition.

Dr Nick Phin, Director of Public Health Science and Medical Director at Public Health Scotland, said:

“The intelligence provided by the Register is invaluable in helping us to understand where we must concentrate our efforts to improve services.

“Working with good quality data, enables all those delivering services to concentrate their efforts on what matters most in maintaining and building on high standards of care for people with MS across Scotland”.

Last updated: 06 October 2022