- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a condition of the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord), which controls the body’s actions and activities, such as movement and balance.
- MS is unpredictable. Symptoms can occur randomly. Some of the most common are problems with mobility and balance, pain, fatigue and muscle spasms.
- It is possible for MS to occur at any age, but people are most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40.
- Women are two to three times as likely to develop MS as men.
- The exact cause of MS is not fully understood, although there is some evidence to suggest that it is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
- MS is a life-long condition and as yet there is no cure, but there are many treatments, which aim to improve the symptoms and make them easier to live with.
- Islanders with the condition can join the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Jersey, more information about which can be found here
Steve Quinn (57), a multiple sclerosis sufferer, was told yesterday that Social Security cannot fund his ongoing care should he move to a care home in Ayrshire, where he would be close to his family.
Mr Quinn moved to Scotland at the age of five before returning to the Island after school to become an electrician.
Most of his family, including his Jersey-born mother Sylvia Keohone, still live in the Ayrshire area.
After his health deteriorated early last year he told his family, while in intensive care, that he wanted to move back to Scotland to be with them but a stand-off developed between Jersey and Ayrshire authorities over who would fund his care should a move go ahead.
His brother, Paul Keohone, who lives in Scotland, launched an online petition addressed to Jersey Social Services in February this year, which has received more than 1,700 signatures.
Mr Keohone said yesterday: ‘We are really, really, disappointed – we just want him back. It feels like we’re back to square one.
‘The Jersey authorities have told us to speak to the Citizens Advice Bureau and find about the laws in Scotland to help him but my parents have already done that several times.’
The family said they were particularly disappointed because Mr Quinn had worked in Jersey and paid social security contributions, and that his care in Scotland would be cheaper than in the Island.
Mr Keohone added that he had been frustrated by Jersey’s Social Services Department, stating that he ‘hadn’t heard a word from them’ since 18 February.
In a statement, Social Security said: ‘The Health and Social Security Departments do not meet the costs of care provided outside Jersey, unless the care is of a nature that is either complex or specialist that cannot be provided in Jersey.
‘If an individual has care needs that can be met in Jersey, we are not able to… fund their care in another country on an ongoing basis.’
A North Ayrshire Council spokesman said that according to ‘clear national guidance’ the local authority ‘where the individual is ordinarily resident should pay the care fees’.
Ria Wolstenholme
Everybody deserves to be with their family through difficult times
Stephen Whitelaw
It’s the right thing to do.
Get Steve Home with his family, a life should not come down to Money!!!!!
Lindsay-Anne Purdon
He should be with his family
Maxine McInnes
Steven should be with his family
Maryanne Ahrens
Steven is my cousin and I would like to see him home,with his family.
Janice Buchanan
it is the right thing to do
Bruce Alexander
Let the guy home, he’s suffered so much already. Doesn’t reflect well on either set of social services.
Douglas Norris
This is a family I know well who miss and need their brother home and so on compassionate grounds I appeal to the people and decision makers of Jersey, please, help make this happen.
Sandra Mackay
I totally support this campaign – Steve should be near his family if that is his choice and Jersey should continue to fund this for as long as is required.
Fin McElhinney
How we look after individuals who are in real and substantial need is a fundamental test of our civilisation, our social values and our sense of community. Would anyone want to be isolated and remote from their family who love and miss him so much?
Linda Boyd
Families should be together especially if they have an illness precious times
Jordan Warner
This man should be with family. Jersey should take responsibility for the wellbeing of its residents & these are pretty extenuating circumstances. Plus jersey isn’t as financially stretched as England right now.
April Roberts
