Multiple Sclerosis Research Project

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32361, 29 July 1970, Page 16

Multiple Sclerosis Research Project

The first steps towards commissioning a research project Into aspects of the occurrence of multiple sclerosis in New Zealand were taken at the annual meeting of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society of New Zealand in Wellington recently.

The project will be financed with funds held in trust by the national society, including the proceeds from an estate bequeathed specifically for multiple sclerosis research within New Zealand. The national society which federates the work of the eight regional societies throughout New Zealand is being advised on a suitable research project by a medical advisory panel consisting of Professor C. Lewis (convener), the Dean of- the Auckland School of Medicine, Professor W. E. Adams, toe Dean of the Otago Medical School, Dr K. MacLeod (Otago), and Dr K. Eyre (Auckland). Figures submitted to the meeting showed that the eight regional societies were in touch with 500 multiple sclerosis patients of the estimated national total of 2000 to 3000 sufferers. Half of the regional societies were employing women field officers to maintain constant patient services, and assistance to sufferers in their own homes. The improvement of patient services was reported by all societies, and special projects In hand included provision of wheel-chair ambulance services in three centres and advanced plans to build a specially designed holiday home in Raglan under the auspices of the Waikato Multiple Sclerosis Society. The national society is also negotiating with the New Zealand Foundation for the Blind for the extension of

d the talking book services to y relevant multiple sclerosis g cases. e The foundation’s latest r transistorised, mini-cassette h talking book equipment was demonstrated to toe meeting h by Mr C. White, manager of e the library services for toe s foundation. s The presentation of written e submissions to the Royal 1 Commission into Social f Security was also authorised r by the meeting. These aim at ® greater provision for persons '• disabled by disease such as e multiple sclerosis, for more ] assistance for persons who i nurse multiple sclerosis e patients at home and for greater help where a family b breadwinner is stricken. The president of toe Auck- ‘ land Multiple Sclerosis Society (Dr F. M. Rutter) was j re-elected chairman of the national society’s research _ sub-committee. i Mesdames N. Mcllroy and . J. Sawers, both of Christ--1 church, were elected to the r management committee of the national society.