To assess patient satisfaction with delivery of MS infusional therapies at the new location, supervised by specialist MS nurses, compared to the previous delivery of treatments at the Regional Centre, which had limited input from the MS nursing team but was delivered by infusional nurses.

Providing safe and effective care to Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients has been a challenge during the Covid-19 pandemic. Across Northern Ireland, surge plans necessitated an abrupt change of facility for MS infusional services from the Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) to a non-acute site at Musgrave Park Hospital (MPH). The MS specialist nursing team moved to deliver the service in an unfamiliar setting.

A questionnaire was developed to survey patient experience of the revamped service, which patients were invited to complete upon attendance for infusion. Patient consent was implied by completion of the questionnaire. Data collected included demographics and levels of service satisfaction across various headings.

In total, 120 responses were received (100% return) indicating a strong preference for the new service arrangement in MPH. Overall, 97% recorded a satisfaction score of ≥8/10 (0-10, 10 = extremely satisfied). Key areas of improvement at MPH were: difficulty parking (0.8% vs 50% in RVH), difficult access to the unit (0.8% vs 38% previously), appointment punctuality (95% on time vs 35% previously), and comfort (83% vs 55% previously). Thematic analysis revealed positive free-text feedback centred on: improved access to MS nursing knowledge, improved cannulation skills, and time-keeping. The most frequent (46%) suggestion for improvement was more comfortable seating.