Multiple Sclerosis: Lincolnshire

The Department is committed to improving access to high‑quality care and treatment for people with multiple sclerosis (MS), including in Lincolnshire. NHS England has published a service specification for specialised neurology services, which aims to ensure that patients receive coordinated, multidisciplinary care and timely access to appropriate treatments.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has issued guidance on the use of disease‑modifying therapies for MS, supporting clinicians to offer clinically- and cost‑effective treatments based on the best available evidence. NHS England also supports the implementation of treatment algorithms to promote consistent prescribing and reduce unwarranted variation in access to high‑efficacy therapies.

In addition, programmes such as Getting It Right First Time are helping to improve outcomes and reduce variation in neurological care across the country. NHS RightCare’s progressive neurological conditions toolkit supports improved outcomes for people with MS by helping local systems identify and address unwarranted variation in care, and by setting out evidence‑based pathways for timely diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management. The toolkit promotes a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach and emphasises proactive management of symptoms and complications.

The 10-Year Health Plan will also support improved care and outcomes for people with MS by focusing on earlier diagnosis, more timely access to specialist treatment, and more coordinated, community‑based care. It will prioritise reducing unwarranted variation in services and strengthening multidisciplinary support, helping people with MS to manage their condition more effectively and maintain their quality of life.

Integrated care boards (ICBs), including the NHS Lincolnshire ICB, are responsible for commissioning services to meet the needs of their local populations and are expected to have regard to NICE and other guidance to ensure patients can access high‑quality care and treatment.