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Cratus 23

The Public Affairs Awards has recognised MS Society and their Treat Me Right campaign as the best Voluntary Sector Campaign of 2014. The MS Society was also a Finalist for the Best Campaign in Scotland.

Launched in April 2014, Treat Me Right sought the right treatment at the right time for people with MS. Following a survey of over 10,000 people with MS in late 2012, the MS Society found that access to MS treatments “abysmally low” in the UK.

Since the launch of the Treat Me Right campaign, over 120 Members of Parliament, 70 Members of Scottish Parliament, 40 Members of the Legislative Assembly of Northern Ireland and 15 Members of the National Assembly of Wales have pledged their support. 

Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive of the MS Society says, “I am absolutely thrilled to see the strength of the MS community and the Treat Me Right campaign recognised in this way. It is an incredibly important campaign for the MS Society and people with MS.

“We have already seen the campaign make a difference and are very proud of everything it has achieved. There is still more to be done, however, and we will continue on with the fight to ensure everyone with MS is able to access the right treatment for them.”

The below is MS Society’s original submission to the Public Affairs Awards:

Since launch in April 2014, the Treat Me Right campaign has gone from strength to strength. The campaign calls for every person with MS to have access to the right treatment at the right time.

The campaign was based on a survey of over 10,000 people with MS, which found that access to treatments across the UK is abysmally low.

The campaign includes national, regional and local activity which recognises complex new NHS structures, and builds on our strength as the largest organisation in the UK representing people with MS.

Since launch:

  • Over 120 MPs, 70 MSPs, 40 MLAs and 15 AMs have pledged their support
  • We have secured political advocates from Councillor to Ministerial level
  • Over 7000 actions taken
  • More than 130 items of media coverage
  • This coverage has reached 43% of UK adults an average 2.5 times.

Treat Me Right locally

We have embarked on a long term programme of engagement with Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCG), Strategic Clinical Networks (SCNs) and Health and Wellbeing Boards (HWBs).

We have developed tools for local staff, including local prescription and MS services data, supporting briefings and guidance documents. This has already resulted in local council support for the campaign, a series of meetings with local MS teams to discuss the needs in their area, and a number of joint projects with HWBs are in development. 

We are rolling out a series of campaign talks in our branches to discuss the campaign. There has been significant demand for these, reflecting the importance of the campaign and a heightened political awareness and engagement among members.

Treat Me Right nationally

Nationally, the campaign has focused on calling for considerable amendments to the NICE guideline for MS.

Tactics included:

  • Securing Ministerial backing for a cannabis-based medicine licensed for the treatment of MS.
  • Securing cross party support from 20 Parliamentarians to put pressure on the Minister.
  • Bringing together the MS community in calling for change.

Media coverage and pressure from the MS community meant that NICE recognised us as key influencers, and worked with us to organise a Guardian podcast focused on MS treatment – the first time the Institute have embarked on such an event in its history.

The results speak for themselves. The final guideline, published on 8th October 2014, includes our recommendations, including the need for annual reviews for all people with MS. The guideline is a crucial and promising first win for the campaign.