MS Queensland

After an extensive campaign led by MS Queensland, the State Government has introduced a new electricity rebate for low-income Queenslanders with multiple sclerosis who have a medical need to operate an air-conditioner to keep cool.

Hundreds of Queenslanders living with multiple sclerosis who rely on air-conditioning to manage their symptoms will benefit from a $216 electricity rebate, announced today in the State Budget.

People on low incomes with heat and cold intolerant conditions like MS will be eligible for an annual discount on their electricity bills; a move welcomed by the MS Society of Queensland.

The first phase of a stem cell therapy trial in the United Kingdom has shown encouraging results. Researchers from the University of Bristol are experimenting with autologous bone marrow stem cells to treat multiple sclerosis.

Six patients were injected with cells harvested from their own bone barrow.  The aim of the study was to determine if the treatment is safe.

There were no serious side effects from the procedure and patients’ conditions remained stable over 12 months.  Researchers hope to investigate the effectiveness of the treatment later this year.

Source: Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia