Chester, Ellesmere Port & District Branch

The Multiple Sclerosis Society's aim is to support people affected by MS, including carers, families and friends. Through financial contributions, the MS Society also promotes research into the causes, cure and ultimately elimination of MS, which involves co-operation on an international scale.

The Chester and Ellesmere Port Branch of the MS Society has over 100 members who pay an annual subscription of £5. They receive a copy of the bi-monthly magazine 'MS Matters' which has articles about experiences, your rights, latest research, services, newstalk, letters etc. The branch issues a local Newsletter, also every two months with further and local information. The branch's main areas of action are those which help local people with MS when requested, in any way possible. This availability is not limited to members of the Society, but to anyone with MS. Head Office also supplies excellent literature free of charge.

An important part of the branch's work is the forming of closer links between people with MS and those who are involved in their care, such as Consultant Neurologists, GPs, Nurses, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Social Workers. In recent years there has been a great step forward due to the appointment of Consultant Neurologists at Walton Centre and The Countess of Chester Hospital, who are working solely on the diagnosis and management of people with MS. There are also two Nurse Specialists based at Walton Centre coverng this area who have proved invaluable.

Recently our branch has assisted in the funding of special neuro-physiotherapy treatment at the Countess of Chester Hospital and also in the funding of a portable ultrasonic bladder scanner for work with patients with MS.

On the social side, we have Sunday lunches twice a year, at which members and carers can relax and enjoy companionship; this is free to members with MS. Through our bi-monthly Newsletter, we try to respond to members' wishes about the form of social activity they would like and to bring them up to date with any relevant local or national information.

For further information or assistance in any matter, please contact the branch.

Registered Charity 207495
Page last reviewed May 2005