Chief Executives Report 2008

Annual General Meeting - June 2008

Good afternoon – It’s good to be here.

I am pleased to present the 2007 Annual Report for MS Ireland. This report gives an overview of our work for our members, volunteers, many supporters, our funding agencies as well as providing details of our financial position.

2007 was a good year for our organisation. Our MSLiving Convention in the RDS, attended by 1,200 people, was the largest gathering of people affected by MS in Ireland. The event addressed people’s expressed need and interest in being enabled to access information and support, and up-to-date research, on managing the condition and coping strategies for living with MS.

People affected by MS state again and again they want us to advocate. I am passionate about the need to give voice to the impact of MS on the family/individual and to ensure the provision of services and treatments that enable people with MS to participate fully in their communities. Particularly in relation to inequality of access and inadequate resourcing by our Health Service of neurology and auxiliary services/treatments at hospital and community levels.

In 2007 as the voice of people affected by MS, we advocated for better neurology services directly with HSE/Government/Public Awareness and on RTE News. However, our concern about existing services not meeting needs was exacerbated when the HSE pulled back on resource commitments and introduced budget constraints in frontline services in September. Our 2007 campaign on areas for development of services also became one of advocating for the retention of existing services. The campaign then included making individual and collective representations to the HSE, meeting the ministers and officials and creating again public awareness in the media, including participating on RTE’s Prime Time re. Personal Assistants.

While we welcomed the appointment of neurologists to Sligo, Waterford and Limerick, this is progress but remains a long way from achieving the recommended number of 39 neurologists with supporting multi-disciplinary teams.

In 2007 we designed and planned for MSI’s first National Programme for delivery in every county simultaneously and doubled the funds available from Tesco with a successful application to the Dormant Accounts Fund. ‘Getting the Balance Right’ will give people with MS opportunities to participate in guided exercise programmes. It will promote healthy living and will provide a profile of the physical needs of people with MS. It will enable learning about the impact of exercise on people with MS at various stages of the MS process.

After years of planning and work, our first Regional Resource Centre, which was developed in Limerick, was opened – A hub to serve the mid-West region.

As over the years, in 2007 many people and organisations, national and international, worked with us. I believe that this collaborative working greatly assists progress to making a difference. That, allied to persistent and clearly defined goals, (5) actions and measurable outcomes, enables us to deliver on our plans. In 2007 we concluded work on our strategic direction for 2008–2012 with the completion of our plan ‘Making It Happen’. (Copies are available here). This plan is now being delivered upon – planning for accommodation and rehabilitation services has begun in earnest. We have increased our research efforts by supporting medical/scientific research through Getting the Balance Right programme. Also work on further strengthening of our organisation has begun, with appropriate structures, systems and resources to deliver on the plan coming into place. The recognition and support of the State for our work remains critical, as does the need for fundraising. Our efforts in that regard were and remain a priority. We run services that should be more fully funded by the State and we will continue to seek the appropriate support.

Above all, we continue to offer understanding, support and advice to people with MS and their families through our important Branches and Regional services, Care Centre and Helpline. Joined up work between Branches/Regions and National Office is essential in achieving our goals, meets in January/February 2008 helped in that regard.

Our staff and volunteers are the face of MS Ireland, their work towards enhancing lives and providing hope to people affected by MS continues to be vital, and together we will work to fulfil our responsibilities with commitment, energy, innovation and integrity.
In my role as CEO, I have been supported by a dedicated staff, Chairman and Board. Together, with the support of volunteers, we strive to make a real difference.

A special thank you to people affected by MS, members, supporters, staff, volunteers, sister community organisations, the HSE and other state bodies for working with us.

Note by Chief Executive in relation to the Chairman

A few words about the outgoing Chairman, Louise.

For a little one – she is most determined to develop MSI and its work. Her booming voice is heard by all as she seeks the best for PwMS. She may be tough at times and “keeps us all in check” but she is committed to having a robust and accountable Governance for now and into the future. Louise gives direction and communicates it clearly with an appropriate and enjoyable sense of humour.
Thank you Louise on behalf of MSI for your work in the chair and for being so supportive of me as CE.
We look forward to your valuable input continuing …