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Social care services are failing people with multiple sclerosis, according to a new report, writes Sally Gillen.

The report commissioned by the Multiple Sclerosis Society, based on a survey of 1,200 people with MS and their carers, found that almost 70 per cent of people with the illness do not have a care manager or a social worker.

It also revealed that only 58 per cent of people with MS had used personal care services and 30 per cent said their care provider performed poorly when reassessing their needs as their condition changed.

The report also found that 55 per cent of people with progressive MS and 41 per cent with a relapsing type of the illness said the disability living allowance does not take into account the fluctuating nature of the condition.

Launching the report, 'Square Pegs, Round Holes', chief executive of the society Mike O’Donovan said: "The most worrying thing we found in both social care and benefits is a lack of flexibility or ability to adapt to changes in someone’s condition."

He added: "All too often this means changing care needs are not being met or appropriate services given. We are asking the government to look into this urgently."

O’Donovan said: "GPs and disability living allowance assessors need training in the changing nature of MS to avoid people being given unsuitable care packages."