This repo contains all the relevant files and documents that went into my investigation into the challenges people with Multiple Sclerosis faced during the pandemic.
To access the data used in this article, it can be found in the data section of this repo which is under docs.
All the data in this piece was acquired using Freedom of Information requests. National data was difficult to obtain, so a localised approached requesting data from hospitals proved to be the most effective strategy.
The number of neurological appointments for the two hospitals in the North West has fallen for MS patients. Multiple lockdowns has made things more difficult and an overriding fear of the virus are two possible explanations.
Appointments with MS nurses have been impacted in the past year. To cope with the demand for Covid-19 patients, some MS nurses were redeployed leaving behind a skeleton crew
Scans help determine a diagnosis and help track disease progression. MRI scans, much like other aspects of treatment for MS, have fallen. Fewer scans add to concerns of worse disability and more advanced health challenges.
The third lockdown in England cased further disruption over the Christmas months but the signs are positive at the Salford Royal Hospital.
While Salford Royal has showed signs of recovery, statistics for The Walton Centre reveal that neurology appointments are still way below the levels seen pre-pandemic.
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