The case for working with the MS Society
and SWANO

NHS organisations should develop long-standing and inclusive relationships with users so that they have a clear and up-to-date understanding of the views, needs and preferences of the people for whom they commission and provide services. Guidance for NHS organisations on section 242(1B) of the NHS Act 2006, the duty to involve and good involvement practice (1)

To design and deliver seamless services a local strategic commissioning framework should be developed with a range of partners and should cover joint commissioning with other authorities, the NHS, the VCS and people using services. Independence, Well-being and Choice: Our vision for the future of social care for adults in England, Department of Health, 2005 (2).

	The MS Society and other SWANO member organisations can help to develop effective partnership working between statutory and voluntary sector organisations by involving people affected by long-term conditions at the start of any initiative.
	We can provide information about specific neurological conditions to assist commissioners and others in developing appropriate services
	We can ensure that service development is informed by meaningful service user involvement at all stages of the planning process and in monitoring and evaluation
	We can help you to prevent unplanned, emergency admissions/readmissions
	We can help you to prevent bed-blocking
	We can help you to reduce inappropriate referrals
	We can share good practice from other organisations and provide learning opportunities for health and social care staff
	We can help to develop effective, integrated care pathways