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"Thank you so much for the support I have received"

About: Adult Health & Support Services / MS & Parkinsons Service St Andrew's Hospice (Lanarkshire) / Outpatients Department

(as a service user),

I have lived with MS for nearly 40 years. As my condition has progressed over the years, my mood can be very low at times. I tend not to speak to my family about it and try to deal with it on my own. During a low period a few months ago, I contacted my MS nurse Claire who quickly arranged a face to face appointment. 

She listened to me and comforted me when I was very emotional. She told me I had taken the first step by reaching out for help. She then provided me with a few online forums for me to read. She took time to explain these to me and suggested I give them a go.

Claire advised me to contact my GP to discuss my antidepressants medication. She also said she would consult with my Neurologist. Claire also referred me to St Andrew's Hospice for wellbeing support groups.

Within a few weeks I was seen by my Neurologist, had an appointment with my GP and started to attend a support group in the Hospice.

My mental state has improved so much and I am in a much better place now.

Claire also took time to call me to find out how I was getting on.

My contact with MS Lanarkshire, especially Claire, has been invaluable. I will be forever grateful to her as she got me on the first steps to a more positive place and I haven't looked back.

Thank you so much for the support I have received.

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Responses

Response from Wendy Cowper, Quality Governance Manager, St Andrew's Hospice (Lanarkshire) 9 hours ago
Wendy Cowper
Quality Governance Manager,
St Andrew's Hospice (Lanarkshire)
Submitted on 25/11/2025 at 10:12
Published on Care Opinion at 10:23


picture of Wendy Cowper

Dear horologiumnp94,

It was lovely to read your story this morning. Navigating a long-term illness can be isolating and upsetting, it was reassuring to hear that you were able to reach out to Claire and feel listened to and supported.

I'm so glad that you have been enjoying the support group at St Andrew's Hospice and that you feel your mental health is improving, we have a wonderful team who are always happy to help.

I hope that anyone else who might be going through a tough time right now, and reads your message, can see that they're not alone and that there is help out there.

Regards,

Wendy

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Response from Lynn Wilkie, Team Manager for Treatment Room & Specialist Nurses & Lymphoedema, MS & Parkinsons Services, South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership 9 hours ago
Lynn Wilkie
Team Manager for Treatment Room & Specialist Nurses & Lymphoedema, MS & Parkinsons Services,
South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership
Submitted on 25/11/2025 at 10:12
Published on Care Opinion at 10:12


Good morning horologiumnp94,

Many thanks for taking the time to provide feedback on your experience with the MS service.

I'm sorry to hear that you've had a low period a few months ago but pleased to hear that Claire supported you through this and that you have managed to get to a better place. The MS nurses are a true asset to the NHS and their care, compassion and knowledge of MS shines through. I look forward to sharing your lovely words with Claire and I'm sure she will be delighted to hear she made a difference for you during a difficult time. If there is anything further that the service can do for you please do not hesitate to get back in touch.

Wishing you all the best,

Lynn

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