Project Name: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Capacity Redesign. Collaborative Working Project (CWP)

Project Summary:

The CWP aims to foster collaboration between Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Limited and University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust to enhance the multiple sclerosis service delivery for patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Through this partnership, the parties seek to leverage their combined expertise to improve patient outcomes and streamline healthcare processes. The ultimate goal is to develop innovative solutions that address the challenges faced by patients diagnosed with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis, and provide more efficient, effective care.

Success of the CWP will be measured by the following KPIs:

  • An increase in the number of MS patients being reviewed by the service and the rapid access clinic (RAC), from a baseline of 35 per week (5 consultants each reviewing 7 patients per week).
  • A 20% increase in the number of patients commencing disease modifying treatments (DMTs), where appropriate, from a baseline of 1,760 (40%) patients.
  • A reduction in the number of patients diagnosed with MS that are untreated, from a baseline of 2,774.  
  • A decrease in the time between treatment decisions to treatment initiation from a baseline of 12-16 weeks.

By continuously monitoring these metrics, the CWP seeks to ensure tangible improvements in healthcare provision and patient well-being.

Milestones:

Milestone 1: CWP kick-off meeting.

Milestone 2/3/4: Creation of job specifications, recruitment and onboarding of data analyst, nurse band 6 and consultant radiologist.

Milestone 4: Completion of the database cleanse and provision of CWP baseline data.. 

Milestones 5 to 8: Clinical activity with data submission and CWP review every 3 months with the development of the business case for future funding at milestone 8.

Milestone 9: CWP wrap-up. CWP outcomes.

Expected Benefits:

Patient

  • Increased reach equity and access for all MS patients across varied local communities to MS service.
  • Expedite treatment, access and access to specialist expertise, reducing time to diagnosis, time to treatment and time to first appointment with MS consultant specialist.

CW Partner

  • A database that has been audited and updated.
  • Improved quality of care.
  • Reduction in patient waiting lists.
  • Improved service efficiency and outcomes.
  • Improved experience of staff by spreading workload.

Novartis

  • Partnering with the NHS to raise standard of care.
  • Demonstrate action upon addressing health inequalities through driving service equity to all communities.
  • By enhancing the multiple sclerosis service delivery, the project aims to improve patient outcomes for those patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). As more patients are reviewed, there is potential for greater utilization of Novartis's medicines, in line with national and local guidelines, where appropriate, leading to improved patient care

Start Date & Expected Duration: August 2025 for 20 months or CWP completion, whichever should first occur.

FA-11471929 | July 2025