Unie ROSKA is an independent patients association established in 1992 and has been operating for more than 27 seven years now. It provides a platform for building a network of contacts and support for patients suffering from multiple sclerosis, as well as for their family members and friends. Currently, the organization comprises 1,400 members associated in 28 branches around the Czech Republic. This helps us to work as close to the patients as possible. These branches serve as points of contact for patient and offer occupational therapy, exercises and physiotherapy sessions. They also ensure consultation services and support to patients when they need deal with health insurance companies and other authorities regarding payment of healthcare fees, chosing physical aids and devices. Moreover, we provide social occupational and other types of consultations. Most of the branches serve as day care centres and points of contact. We arrange reconditioning stays, nation-wide sports games for multiple sclerosis patients, and we also publish an online magazine.

We'd like to set up a MS helpline, which would not be available every single day at the start. Patients often require more than a session with a neurologist but also a consultation with internists, urologist, in much the same way patients with different diagnosis need this. We were impressed by the concept of MS specialist nurses which has been in operation in Great Britain since the mid 1990s. Based on our communication with our UK colleagues, these specialist nurses make visits to patient at their home and offer direct support and clinical advice. Only after a nurse has been unable to solve an issue with a patient, is the patient redirected to an appropriate doctor. And finally, we'd like to professionalize our activities thus increasing efficiency and effectiveness. We'd love to use the experience of patient organizations from other countries.

Information video about our activities you can found here: https://www.facebook.com/UnieROSKA/.

Our website: www.roska.eu