MSNTC Services
Services MSNTC provides for member Therapy Centres
It has always been recognised that the individual MS Therapy Centres need to stand together and a national body has existed ever since the Centres began to operate. During the 1980’s the national body operated as Action and Research for Multiple Sclerosis (ARMS), and from 1992 as the Federation of MS Therapy Centres. In 2002 it changed its name to MSNTC.
MSNTC exists solely to support the continuing development of member Centres using the power of collective action. It was created by the member Centres. It is directed by them and partially funded by them.
So what does MSNTC provide for the MS Therapy Centres today?
MSNTC provides the MS Therapy Centres with a common voice
It is more difficult for small charities to operate alone in a world which is increasingly sophisticated and competitive. However large the individual Centres may be, collective action by many Centres can still provide important benefits.
Working together brings significant financial benefits for the MS Therapy Centres
We are able to negotiate preferential prices for:
- oxygen
- insurance (and better terms)
- barochamber servicing
- oxygen masks and other consumable items
Setting standards for Oxygen Treatment for people with MS and other conditions
This provides mutual insurance against a potential incident that could threaten the very existence of our operations.
- We have established The Cascade System of barochamber operator training, headed by our Technical Adviser, David Downie.
- Member Centres receive medical advice and support from Dr Petra Kliempt and Prof Philip James for MS and other conditions.
- MSNTC members have access to a copyrighted Reference Manual for Oxygen Treatment. This document was recognised by the Healthcare Commission prior to de-regulation from the conditions of the Care Standards Act in 2008.
- Access to Child Protection Training for member Centres that treat people younger than 18 years old.
Support for fundraising
We support the fundraising activities of member Centres through:
- Fundraising workshops
- The annual MS Challenge
- London Marathon places
Finding ways of working with other MS Charities towards our common aim of helping those with MS
Other MS Charities include:
One example is a current project with the MS Society and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists. We are working together to publish an agreed set of standards for the delivery of the most effective physiotherapy for people with MS.
Working together to improve what we do for people with MS
Perhaps most importantly, MSNTC carries out a wide variety of activities designed to help member Centres to be even more effective in their role of helping people with MS. The aim is to find out from each other what can be done to improve the range and quality of the services.
- Improving communication between member Centres, through formal meetings and the informal network of Centre Managers and Trustees.
- Improving communications within member Centres between the trustees, staff and volunteers.
- The MSNTC website provides information for member Centres.
- The website also helps to promote the individual Centres by providing information on their therapies and services. We hope this is particularly useful to people who are newly diagnosed with MS.
- Advising member Centres on how to develop and expand the services they provide based upon best practice. MSNTC also provides advice about potential sources of external support.
