Massage Therapy Canada

Features Finance Management
Alberta launches partnership plan to improve MS care, research

Nov. 26, 2013 — The Alberta government has released a multiple sclerosis (MS) plan that will help improve care and support innovative research for the almost 14,000 Albertans with the disease.

November 26, 2013  By Massage Therapy Canada staff


The plan called, The Way Forward: Alberta’s Multiple Sclerosis
Partnership, builds on Alberta’s leadership in MS research and care, and
will help the province continue with its tradition of innovative
medical research.

 
The plan will further integrate services,
provide for a more co-ordinated and comprehensive system of care, and
promote greater partnerships with industry and among MS organizations,
the health system and government.
 
“MS is a challenging,
unpredictable disease, and it can be difficult for people with MS to
access the right services and supports, especially in rural areas,” said
Alberta Minister of Health Fred Horne. “Our plan recognizes these
challenges, and will make sure that we provide the supports possible and
encourage research to advance MS treatment moving forward.”
 
MS
is an inflammatory disease in which the brain and spinal cord are
damaged. Symptoms are unpredictable and include extreme fatigue, loss of
balance, impaired speech and vision, paralysis and mental impairment.
Alberta has one of the highest rates of MS in the world, with about 340
cases per 100,000, compared to about 240 cases per 100,000 nationally.
 
 “The
Way Forward promises dignity and quality of life for all Albertans
living with multiple sclerosis. We are extremely pleased to be one of
the architects of this initiative on behalf of everyone in Alberta
affected by this unpredictable disease,” said Neil Pierce, president,
Alberta and Northwest Territories Division, MS Society of Canada.
 
“With
input from all stakeholders, including people living with MS, The Way
Forward will ensure we’re all working together to support Albertans and
their families affected by multiple sclerosis. Working together, our
promise and commitment to Albertans is that no one has to face the
challenges of living with MS alone.”


Print this page

Advertisement

Stories continue below


Related