Why bother with Brussels? MS Platform
Louise McVay was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in July 2000. I was completely dependent on others to care for me' Louise had no support from outside agencies being turned down for social services and benefits, then due to the postcode prescribing' situation at the time, she was also turned down for disease modifying dugs - being told there just weren't the funds'.
Louise wrote to her MP about the situation, then wrote to the Prime Minister but received a standard response'. Undeterred Louise decided to take her case to the European Parliament herself. I went on their website and found out the name and contact details of the President - Nicole Fontaine. I wrote to her explaining the difficulties of people with MS in Britain and asked for her help'.
Committee on Petitions
Nicole Fontaine sent Louise a personal response and said that her case was being forwarded to the European Parliament Committee on Petitions. This Committee was set up to make the European Parliament more accessible to citizens and whilst healthcare is generally the responsibility of member states, the European Parliament can take a position on matters of public interest.
Louise's arguments were compelling and by July 2003, supported by the UK Multiple Sclerosis Society, Louise addressed the Committee in Brussels. After hearing Louise's petition, along with speeches from representatives from the UK, Belgium, German and Italian MS Societies, the Chair of the Petitions Committee, agreed:
- To work with colleagues to look at how equal access is to MS drugs, services and employment for people with MS across Europe.
- To work with the European MS Platform to look at how the European Union can help support more European research into MS.
In 2002, under a new NHS scheme, Louise did get the drugs she needed but she continued the campaign to push for people across the European Union to receive equal access to drugs and therapies. Louise's petition has contributed to closer links between MS Societies across the EU and demonstrates the opportunities of targeting the EU where, in this case, the views of people with MS can be taken into account in decision-making.
With thanks to Laura Weir, MS Society and Mairead O'Leary, European MS Platform.
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