Our Focus and What’s Next?
Over the last decade, we have seen the needs of people with MS are changing. This is largely due to the availability of higher efficacy DMTs in NZ, and ever-advancing research is also telling us even more about the importance of practical lifestyle modifications to improve health outcomes. As a result, people are continuing to […]
Help Shape the Future of Disability Funding
Consultation is underway across the country to help shape future disability funding and service models. This is your opportunity to have your say and we encourage you to do so, now more than ever. Note: This consultation is for people who receive essential disability support after an assessment from a NASC or EGL site. This […]
Be at the forefront of refreshing the New Zealand Disability Strategy: Expressions of interest open to join the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha – Working Groups
The Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha is calling for expressions of interest to join the Working Groups they are planning to set up to help with the refresh of the New Zealand Disability Strategy. The current strategy is nearly 10 years old, so it is time to do a refresh. Whaikaha are seeking interest […]
When no news is not good news: Shingrix Vaccination
Recently, Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand (MSNZ) wrote to Pharmac to express our immense disappointment with their Health Technologies Assessment (HTA) process, the treatment funding assessment process, and the impact this is having on the MS community. The varicella zoster virus, more commonly known as Shingles, is a viral infection which causes a painful rash and […]
Are you on an Infusion Treatment?
At MSNZ we would like to understand more about patient experiences with infusion treatments. The first line Disease Modifying Treatment (DMT) options we have been successful in advocating for in NZ are considered some of the best in the world. Due to the availability of these treatments and adopting healthy lifestyle recommendations, people are reportedly […]
Press Release: Access to Life-Changing MS Drug “snatched away” Due to Staff Shortages
A celebrated Pharmac decision late last year to fund a vital drug for many Multiple Sclerosis patients has fallen flat – with dozens being turned away for treatment due to severely stretched resources across a number of services. Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand (MSNZ) says one particular Health New Zealand (HNZ) region – Canterbury Waitaha – […]
Clarification on Purchasing Rules from Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People
On Monday 18 March 2024, Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People, announced changes to the purchasing rules for Carer Support, Individualised Funding, Enhanced Individualised Funding, personal budgets, and Choices in Community Living. On 24 April, following significant feedback from the Disability and Carers communities, Whaikaha has made amendments and changes to the purchasing rules and […]
Share Your Story – Sativex and Medical Cannabis
Sativex, or Cannabidiol with tetrahydrocannabinol, is an add-on treatment approved by Medsafe for symptom improvement in patients with moderate to severe spasticity due to multiple sclerosis (MS). It is indicated for people who have not responded adequately to other anti-spasticity medication and who demonstrate clinically significant improvement in spasticity related symptoms during an initial trial […]
Second State of Caring Survey Out Now
In 2020-21 more than 1,600 family carers completed the first State of Caring survey. The Carers Alliance are repeating this survey every two years to understand how family carers are doing: their wellbeing, what help they get, what help they need, and their concerns. Since the first survey we’ve experienced COVID-19, flooding in some areas, […]
Call for Pharmac to Widen Proposed Criteria for Shingrix Funding
Pharmac announced, in February, it was looking to extend funded access to Shingrix, the new vaccination for shingles, to immunocompromised people over 18 years old. However, the proposal listed specific treatments and conditions eligible. While we were pleased to see people who are pre- or post-haematopoietic stem cell transplant included, we were disappointed that MS […]