9 June 2008

Heidi scoops national MS Award

The Southern Health and Social Care Trust’s Multiple Sclerosis Specialist Nurse Heidi Thompson has won the UK MS Specialist Nurses Association award.

Heidi, who is employed by the Northern Ireland Neurology Service on behalf of the Trust, was nominated by the MS Nursing Team. Iris Hume, from the MS Nursing Team, says, “We were delighted to nominate Heidi for the Making a Difference Award and thrilled when she was announced as the winner. She received votes from Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales which reflects the high regard in which she is held. Heidi has made such a difference to people with MS in the Southern Trust area. She is totally committed to looking after patients, offering support and building up trust, and developing her knowledge of the condition.

“Heidi has set up nurse-led clinics which provide a higher level of access to local people with MS, made numerous referrals for support services and developed beneficial links with other specialist nurses and health and social care professionals. Heidi offers wonderful continuity of care and her priority is always on the patient whom she helps to manage their MS.”

Heidi adds, “Winning this award is an absolute honour and I hope it reflects the developments for people with MS in the Southern Trust. One of my greatest achievements has been setting up the first nurse-led Disease Modifying Therapies clinic in Northern Ireland at Craigavon Area Hospital. This would not have been possible without the valuable support of Dr Forbes and Elaine Johnston.

“I am currently working with the MS Society to set up a drop in clinic in Newry which will hopefully increase accessibility to care for people living in the Newry and Mourne district. A team approach in caring for people with MS is imperative.”

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system, which is made up of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. Most people with MS learn to cope with the disease and continue to lead satisfying, productive lives. Heidi offers an open referral system and anyone who is affected by the disease can contact her on 028 3861 3863.