Ah, the wonders of the internet. I sent a letter to my local MP, regarding concerns over the removal of specialist MS nurses, and here's what he sent me:

"Dear Mr. Allison,

Thank you for your faxed letter via www.writetothem.com, regarding specialist Multiple Sclerosis (MS) nurses and Early Day Motion 387.

I can see that this matter is of great concern to you, and I do sympathise with the spirit of the EDM, however due to my position as a Parliamentary Private Secretary my ability to sign Early Day Motions is somewhat restricted.

I appreciate that specialist MS nurses provide an invaluable service to patients, and many of my constituents welcomed the introduction of these nurses. The Government does recognise that specialist nurses have an important role to play in the care of people with long term conditions, and are valued not just by patients but their families as well. It is not the Government's intention to cause apprehension and changes to services are meant to benefit all patients. The decisions regarding the placement or withdrawal of specialist nurses is a local matter, these decisions are not made centrally. It is to a large extent up to local health authorities to decide where their budget is best spent.

However, in order to follow up on this matter I have written to Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt MP, Secretary of State for Health, outlining your concerns. I have enclosed a copy of this letter for your information and will forward you a copy of her response as soon as I am able.

Yours sincerely,

Paul Clark MP"

And here's what he posted to Pat..

"Dear Patricia,

I write on behalf of my constituent, Mr Ralph Allison of 20 Duncan Road Gillingham, who has contacted me in support of Early Day Motion 387 on specialist Multiple Sclerosis nurses.

I support the spirit of the EDM as I recognise the important of specialist nurses in providing a regular contact for people with MS. Mr Allison is concerned that specialist MS nurse posts will be removed. My constituent feels that this is causing unnecessary stress and anxiety for those with MS and their families.

I am glad that the NHS is evolving to provide services such as specialist nurses.

Yours sincerely,

Paul Clark MP"

Let's hope this gets the wheels a-rolling, eh? And don't forget to visit www.msnurses.co.uk for more updates on the situation.