Sarah Watson took up the role of Advanced MS Champion in September 2024 and is the first person working in this role in Leeds. The role was funded by the MS Trust for the first 15 months and is now permanently funded by Leeds Teaching Hospitals.

Sarah qualified as a physiotherapist in 1996 and has specialised in treating people with neurological conditions since 2004. She now works alongside the MS MDT at Leeds Teaching Hospitals.

The AMSC role means that Sarah can work with people in areas of greatest need. When people reach a more advanced stage of MS, they may no longer qualify for disease modifying drugs, leading to a potential disconnect with their MS service. This leaves them reliant on family and friends for their care. An AMSCs role is to reconnect with those living with advanced MS, whilst addressing and co-ordinating their complex care needs.

Since coming into post, she has formed links with community services and voluntary services including the community neuro rehab service, neighbourhood teams, the voluntary sector and palliative care services, aiming to make services for patients more streamlined, prevent duplication of appointments and prevent hospital admissions.