Welcome to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Queensland's website.

As always, fundraising and increasing awareness of people living with Multiple Sclerosis are critical in enabling the Society to continue to provide support and services to people with MS, and continue to fund research to hopefully find the cause and a cure for this mystery disease.  Here are a few of our major fundraising initiatives we encourage you to support in 2008.

• Limited Edition Art Unions and 300 Club Lotteries - Check out our latest Limited Edition Art Union and purchase tickets via our secure website by clicking here.

• Foundation 5 Million - Don't M_S_ this chance to find a cure!  Join Foundation 5 Million in raising $5 million to help find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis.

• 2008 MS Readathon - The 8,000 Queenslanders registered for the 29th annual MS Readathon program recently spent the 30 days of June reading for a great cause.

• MS Moonwalk - The 2008 MS Moonwalk is scheduled to take place on Friday 14 November.  Join us on a delightful walk around Brisbane River under a full moon.

TYSABRI ALERT - from the MS Australia medical spokesperson, Dr. W. M. Carroll [1 August 2008]

This morning MSA was advised that two patients with MS, overseas, have been diagnosed with PML (progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy) while on Tysabri (Natalizumab).

Details are not complete but one patient with aggressive MS developed the condition after 17 infusions having had no other treatment. The second had previously received Azathioprine and an immunomodulatory therapy.

Both were detected by the post marketing surveillance system set up for Europe and similar to the TAPP programme in Australia. With the cessation of Tysabri treatment and the use of plasma exchange the condition has been halted and the patients are now stable.

Biogen-Idec have advised the TGA of the development and said that it highlights the need for continuing vigilance by MS practitioners and immunotherapy nurses. Further information will be posted as it becomes available.

W M CARROLL
Chair MSRA Research Management Council

If you have any concerns please contact your Neurologist.

Do you fancy a creative and social Tuesday morning?

Pottery from 9.00 am – 1.30pm

Come along to the MS Society at 173 Annerley Rd Dutton Park.

You can hand form clay into mugs, plates, vases etc.  Then paint and decorate them with your favourite designs.  Its brilliant physio for your hands and you get to make lovely gifts.

The cost is $3.00 per week and includes morning tea.  Lunch is available from the canteen for $3.00

Phone Jill on 3840 0866 for more information.

MS Australia Thanks Federal Government for PBS Listing

MS Australia is pleased that as of today the Federal Government will subsidise the MS treatment, Tysabri, on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

Dr Bill Carroll, Chairman of MS Australia’s Research Committees said that this is the first new MS drug to gain PBS listing in some time and will be a most welcome addition to the range of treatment options for patients and their doctors.

“MS Australia would like to acknowledge the Federal Government for making such a large economic commitment and in doing so recognising the hope this treatment brings to many people with Multiple Sclerosis,” said Dr Carroll.

“For those suited to this treatment, it is possible their MS progression and accumulated disability may be minimised. Staying in the workforce longer, remaining in the family home and continuing to be active members of the community is a real benefit this treatment may offer.”

Tysabri is suitable for those with Relapsing Remitting MS only and people should discuss this treatment option with their neurologist.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic and debilitating disease, characterised by damage to the nerve pathways that transmit signals from the brain to the rest of the body.

Client Service Handbook

Click here to downlad the new Client Service Handbook in PDF format

The MS Society of Queensland is guided by the Manual of Society Standards.  A Summary has been made into a booklet to inform our clients of our standards and expectations, under the Society’s certification under the Disability Services Queensland  (DSQ) Quality System.

The Client Service Handbook is available on this website, and a hard copy can be requested from the MS Society Services Reception.

The Client Services Handbook summarizes the relevant policies informing clients of their rights and responsibilities.

The Handbook covers: Rights and Responsibilities; Code of Conduct for Clients and Visitors; Service Access and Eligibility; Individual Program Plan; Client Records; Privacy;  Advocacy;’, Abuse Assault and Neglect; Critical Incident Reporting; Complaints Process and Flow Chart; Security and Attendance Records                          

The Society’s premises is a registered workplace for staff and volunteers and regulations regarding workplace health and safety apply. 

Visitors, family and friends are subject to the same policies regarding standards of behaviour towards residents and staff/volunteers. 

All staff and volunteers are required to abide by the Code of Conduct and confirm their agreement by signing a copy of the Code of Conduct as defined in the Society Manual.

The Society will not tolerate any actions that are found to be bullying, harassing or abusive.  The individual or individuals responsible shall be dealt with under the relevant policy in the Manual of Society Standards.

It is the Board’s genuine expectation that the Society functions in an environment of mutual respect, and with the tolerance required to resolve all issues and ensure optimal outcomes for both clients and staff.

Movie star supports MS Readathon

Actress Jodie Foster and Ten's Toasted TV Series Producer Stephen Bergin

Recently in Australia to promote her new film, Nim's Island, Academy Award-winning actress Jodie Foster lent her support to the national MS Readathon campaign by filming a community service announcement that is currently being shown on Channel 10.

Pip and Dan from Ten's Toasted TV also filmed a community service announcement to help promote this great reading-based fundraising program.

Nim's Island author, Wendy Orr has also given her support to MS Readathon by filming a community service announcement along with Foster, both happy to encourage a love of reading in our next generation.

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Queensland would like to acknowledge the great support of Jodie Foster, Pip & Dan, Wendy Orr and Network 10.

Click here for more information on this year's MS Readathon.

Click here to view the ad with Jodie Foster and Wendy Orr.

Information Sessions for people with MS - Families and Friends very welcome. 

Regional Visits - 2008

Please contact Maree Brockie by phoning 3840 0855 or email: maree.brockie@msqld.org.au

MS Society launches landmark integrated housing developmentment

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Queensland has launched a landmark in integrated community housing for people with disabilities.  The two tower development at Coorparoo, known as 'Life at Coorparoo', will be the first of its kind of development in Queensland , and possibly Australia .

Trevor Farrell , Chief Executive Officer of the MS Society of Queensland , said Life at Coorparoo heralded a new era of supported living for people with disabilities.  "This landmark development will provide previously unavailable community living for young people with Multiple Sclerosis currently cared for in an institutional setting," Mr Farrell said.

Mr Farrell said the eight ground floor units, all wheelchair accessible, will be owned and maintained by the MS Society of Queensland .  The remaining 24 apartments (all two bedroom + study nook) will be available for commercial sale.  These elevated apartments are located in two separated unit towers above secure basement parking with direct access by lifts to every apartment.

For more information on being involved with this exciting new project, contact Trevor Farrell on 07 3840 0801 or email trevor.farrell@msqld.org.au

Become a MS DirectDonor Today!

No need to mark the calendar or try and remember to make that regular donation to the Society. Why not set up your donation to be regularly deducted from your credit card and then you will never have to make a 'to-do list' again!

Just contact the Society to organise a monthly deduction from your credit card and we'll do the rest. An annual statement itemising your donations will be sent out at the end of each financial year so you can claim your tax deduction. If you want to change details at any time - just call us! It doesn't get much easier than this.

For more information about MS DirectDonor, please call 1800 287 367.