Published on: 19,Sep 2025

The 10 Year Health Plan: What it means for people with MS

Peter Lloyd, Policy Manager (Health and Social Care), MS Society

The NHS in England is undergoing some of the biggest changes in a generation. These reforms will shape where care is delivered, how services are organised, and who is responsible for commissioning and providing it. For people with MS, these changes matter. 

In England, over 123,000 people live with multiple sclerosis (MS) and per week 135 people are diagnosed. It’s a lifelong condition with complex needs that change over time. Treatment, care and support are vital to people with MS. It allows them to live well, do what’s important to them and live as independently as possible.  

The treatment landscape for people with some types of MS has improved significantly in recent years. There are now more than 20 high efficacy disease modifying treatments (DMTs) which significantly reduce the risk of relapse and slow disease progression. People with MS need access to them at the earliest opportunity. 

Although this is a positive picture, DMTs are not available for people with inactive progressive MS. People with inactive progressive MS need access to good care and support but unfortunately too many of them are simply forgotten by the system. This often leads to people experiencing unplanned emergency admissions to hospital.  

Bringing planned care closer to home 

The 10 Year Health Plan aims to shift care from hospitals into communities. For people with MS, this could bring opportunities but also risks if neurology does not get the attention it needs. 

Most people with MS require hospital treatment for monitoring and care. This is concentrated in specialised neurocentres, which are unevenly distributed. Nineteen Integrated Care Boards do not have one, so many people travel beyond their nearest hospital. Our report, A Different Path: Rethinking MS Hospital Care, found nearly one in five people travel more than 20 miles for planned care, including DMTs and routine monitoring. 

Travel can be exhausting for people with MS, who may struggle with fatigue, mobility issues or poor access to transport. This can lead to missed treatments, delays in care and stress. Those living far from specialist centres often have fewer options and less consistent support. 

“It’s a long way to travel, 75 mile round trip. I even have to travel that distance every six months just for a blood test.” – Person with relapsing-remitting MS, East of England 

People with MS need care that is local and joined-up. Neighbourhood health centres could help by hosting multidisciplinary clinics with MS nurses and offering routine DMT monitoring closer to home. This will only work if local teams are properly linked with specialist neurologists and tertiary centres. Clear pathways are essential: local centres should manage routine support while people can still access specialist expertise when needed. 

Delivering care locally also depends on having the right staff. Our report highlighted shortages of MS nurses and rehabilitation professionals. Without investment, neighbourhood centres risk providing only partial support. 

Why a Neurology Modern Service Framework is needed 

The 10 Year Health Plan introduces Modern Service Frameworks to standardise care, improve coordination and support better outcomes. The first wave, starting in 2026, focuses on cardiovascular disease, mental health, and frailty and dementia. Neurology, including MS, is not included. 

This is a significant omission. One in six people in the UK lives with a neurological condition. Many people with MS experience preventable unplanned hospital admissions. Access to treatment and rehabilitation varies widely. A Neurology Modern Service Framework could address these inequalities, providing guidance on diagnosis, DMT access, local neurorehabilitation, and links between neighbourhood centres and specialist care. 

What needs to happen 

To make the 10-Year Plan work for people with MS:  

• Neighbourhood health centres must be properly resourced and linked to specialist teams 

• Investment in MS nurses, neurologists and rehabilitation staff is critical 

• Neurology should be included in the Modern Service Frameworks programme 

• There should be a named lead for neurology in each ICB 

The Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England must act to ensure people with MS and other neurological conditions are not left behind. Our report shows where the system is under strain, but also highlights opportunities to improve care closer to home and make services more joined-up for people with MS.