National MS Care Centre faces prospect of ‘further reducing’ operating weeks

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland’s national MS care centre is currently open for 40 weeks of the year. However according to the Society “as a lack of funding continues, we now face the prospect of further reducing our operating weeks.”

“Our care centre provides a modern state-of the-art respite service, which focuses not just on providing a break for the people living with MS and their caregivers, but delivers a range of therapeutic services, neurological assessments and many social activities, all designed to revitalise and rejuvenat,” said Ms Ava Battles, Chief Executive of MS Ireland.

“We need to be open to keep offering this incredible resource, and that residents can feel valued, recognised, and empowered to live the life of their choosing. We are asking members of the public to get behind our campaign and keep the care centre open”.

The National MS care centre in Dublin is Ireland’s only dedicated respite centre for people living with multiple sclerosis, providing a range of needed therapeutic services.

“When opened, we were able to operate the centre for 50 weeks of the year,” according to a Society spokesperson.

“Lack of funding and limited resources has forced us to cut that back to 40 weeks. Without additional funds, we now face the prospect of further reducing our operating weeks, leaving our 12 care centre beds lying idle for more weeks of the year. For people with MS, extended closures mean lack of access to care not available elsewhere. We are asking members of the public to support our campaign and keep the National MS care centre open.”