Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how his Department’s 10 Year Health Plan will support patients with multiple sclerosis in receiving adequate (a) care and (b) support.

The three shifts outlined in the 10-Year Health Plan will support people with long-term conditions, including those with multiple sclerosis, to better manage their condition and access services closer to home. For example, it will empower them to access their medical history and allow them to book and manage their appointments and medication.

In addition, by 2028/29, neighbourhood health teams will be organised around the needs of their patients. The plan will create joined-up working across hospitals and into community settings, with multi-disciplinary teams who can provide wrap-around support services.

By 2030, one million patients with long-term conditions will be offered personal health budgets, which will enable them to use National Health Service resources and to determine the care that best suits their needs.

Patients will be able to self-refer to services where clinically appropriate through My Specialist on the NHS App. This will accelerate their access to treatment and support. The NHS App will provide access to advice, guidance, self-care support, and appointment management. Patients will be able to manage their care in one place, giving them direct access to, and preference over the services they need.

As part of the NHS App, My Medicines will enable patients to manage their prescriptions, and My Health will enable patients to monitor their symptoms and bring all their data into one place.