Your Health Team

Your Health Team

Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) often involves working with a team of health professionals who provide expert care, support, and advice. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that you receive comprehensive care tailored to your unique needs.

Having a dedicated health team means you have access to a wide range of expertise and support. This team approach helps you manage your MS effectively, maintain your independence, and improve your quality of life.

Your health team is there to support you every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help or advice.

Health and Wellbeing

MS Community Advisors

The Community Support Staff Service has been operating for more than thirty years and it has developed into a vital and high profile service. Community Advisors, sometimes known as other titles, are employed by their regional MS Society.

Community Advisors provide information on a wide range of matters concerning MS for all those impacted by MS in their region including those diagnosed, whānau, family carers, employers and other support services providers.

Regional Societies coordinate social groups, exercise classes, support meetings and service referrals. 

Multiple Sclerosis NZ provides education opportunities for Community Advisors and supplies information and educational resources about MS, its symptoms and management.

General Practitioner

Your general practitioner (GP) is your main health care provider, so do your best to locate a GP with an interest in MS. It’s important to communicate your worries and symptoms as clearly as possible so you can get appropriate assistance. Your GP will be able to refer you to a neurologist or other specialist (e.g. physiotherapist) if there are questions and concerns.

Consult your GP if you are worried about any aspect of your health at any time. You may find that she/he cannot answer some of the questions you may have about your future. MS is a highly unpredictable condition and no two are the same. There will be times when the only honest answer your doctor can give you is “I don’t know”.

Neurologist

Most people will see a neurologist, either hospital-based or in private practice, to confirm their diagnosis. Normally, they would order an MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging) to confirm their diagnosis. An appointment can be made through your general practitioner (GP).

If you’ve only seen one doctor, it’s certainly reasonable to get a second opinion if you’re not happy about the diagnosis. Your original doctor should not be insulted or hurt because you want to confirm your diagnosis.

MS Nurse

MS nurses are qualified nurses with specialist training to provide clinical advice and support to people with multiple sclerosis. MS Nurses are employed by regional DHBs. Not all DHBs have a specialist MS Nurse. They may have a neurological Clinical Nurse Specialist or other key contact for questions regarding your treatment.

Stay in regular contact with your MS Nurse and let them know about any changes in your symptoms or health.

Allied Health Care

Allied health professionals can provide holistic support, knowledge and tools to implement in your daily life and maintaining independence and the effective management of MS. They can help you adapt to changes in function, mobility, speech, and nutrition over time. Early access and intervention improves outcomes. Some services are publicly available. If you have insurance or receive Disability Support Services funding you may be able to use this towards allied health care.

Speak to your GP or Neurology Team to get a referral.

  • Neuro Physiotherapists have a particular knowledge and interest in supporting conditions like MS, working with you to attain your maximum physical capabilities.
  • Physiotherapist can advise on exercises and programmes to improve or maintain mobility, strength, balance to support independent living. Physiotherapists can often assist with baldder and bowel issues.
  • Occupational Therapists assess your needs to maximise your independence and overcome barriers in daily activities. They recommends and refer for funding equipment, aids, home and vehicle modifications. 
  • Speech-Language Therapists assists with speech, swallowing, and communication difficulties.
  • Dietitians advise on nutrition, healthy eating, and managing symptoms through diet.
  • Psychologists or Counsellors support your mental health and emotional well-being, helping you cope with the impact of MS.
  • Rehabilitation Centres are available in some areas providing comprehensive holistic support to improve independence.

Other Community Services

  • Pharmacists can advise on medications, potential side effects, and how to manage your prescriptions.
  • Community Driving Assessor: They will discuss and approve vehicle adaptations such as hand or foot controls to assist in overcoming a host of vehicle-related difficulties. Should your condition reach a stage where driving is no longer considered safe for yourself or other road users a Community Driving Assessor will be referred to make this decision.
  •  Needs Assessment Advisory Services: A needs assessor is the person to see if you have a disability and require personal care of home help. Needs assessors can be contacted through a health professional, your MS Community Advisor or by self-referral. We recommend you contact your MS Community Advisor first, who will be able to provide advice and offer support when meeting with a Needs Assessor to ensure you what you need and are entitled to.