A BOLTON woman has backed the findings of a national study which claims standards of treatment for Multiple Sclerosis sufferers are a lottery. Barbara Jones - her name has been changed to protect her identity - claims standards of care for people like her are fragmented and unco-ordinated.

Barbrara was discharged from Bolton Lever Chambers for Health, which provides a range of therapies for MS sufferers.

In a letter to her GP, it's stated they cannot provide the treatment to ease Barbara's particular needs.

Now she, in common with many others, pays for private physiotherapy sessions to ease her condition.

A recent report backed by the Bolton branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society claims many people with MS are suffering because not all health authorities contract for all the diagnostic, treatment or rehabilitation services they require.

"It is in the long term that people like myself are missing out," explained Barbara.

"Physiotherapy is a vital part of our treatment regime, yet we are only given limited sessions by the health services locally."

Originally diagnosed in 1975 and having spent several years in remission, Barbara's MS was confirmed by a scan in 1991.

In line with consultants region and countrywide, Barbara is urging a more co-ordinated approach to treating MS and urges health professionals locally to take her views and those of others into account when contracting for services.

"We are disabled, not stupid. We're still able to think, to talk and, as we're the ones with MS, I feel we know better than most what would be most beneficial to us," she added.

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