Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Center at Sturdy Memorial Hospital

The Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Center at Sturdy Memorial Hospital was established in 1995 to provide individualized, specialized, and coordinated care and services to people with MS. Our goals are to minimize the impact of the disease and to support our patients and their families through their journey by maximizing the patient's physical and emotional well-being.

Recognized as a Center for Comprehensive MS Care

The MS Center is proud to be recognized as a Comprehensive Care Center by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. This designation reflects our commitment to providing expert, coordinated care for people living with MS.

As a Comprehensive Care Center, we offer

• A multidisciplinary team of specialists in neurology, rehabilitation, nursing, and social work
• Personalized treatment plans that support your physical, emotional, and social well-being
• Ongoing access to the latest research, therapies, and resources through our partnership with the National MS Society
• A patient-centered approach focused on improving quality of life at every stage of MS

Team Approach

At the MS Center, we use a team-based approach to address the complex and evolving needs of individuals living with MS. Our team includes neurologists, physical therapists, certified nurses, and social workers, each bringing their expertise to the care of the patient. During each visit, multiple specialists evaluate the patient’s symptoms and then collaborate to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to the patient's needs.

Communication is a key part of the care approach. Each patient is recognized as an essential part of the team, and their concerns, goals, and lived experiences are carefully considered when developing a personalized plan for managing the disease.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Our team meets to create a personalized MS treatment plan that supports the physical, emotional, and social well-being of the patient. The treatment plan may include:

• Medications for MS and related symptoms
• Baclofen pump management for pain and spasticity
• Botox® for migraine, cervical dystonia, and spasticity
• Infusion therapy
• Physician, nursing, physical therapy (PT), and social services assessments
• Individual physical therapy exercise programs and referrals for outpatient PT and/or Occupational Therapy (OT)
• Referrals to other services which may include imaging, neurosurgeons, weight management, psychiatric services, endocrinology, rheumatology, and the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA).

Your Visit

Please allow at least one hour for your appointment. After the initial intake by the nurse you will have an individual appointment with a neurologist. Each team member will perform an evaluation and then collaborate with other team members to develop a treatment plan. Family members and loved ones are welcome and encouraged to visit the MS Center with the patient to provide support.

We require all patients at the center to have a primary care physician. We know that many people with MS would like to continue to see their current neurologists and attend the Multiple Sclerosis Center at Sturdy Memorial Hospital. Regular reports can be sent to your neurologist and primary care physician to keep them informed of your progress.

Most insurance plans cover services at the MS Center; however, we recommend obtaining prior authorization from your insurer before visiting the center.

Frequency Of Visits

The frequency at which patients visit the MS Center will vary according to their individual needs. If their disease is stable, they may need to visit only once or twice a year. More frequent visits may be necessary if there are changes in their status or if they experience specific problems that need attention. On subsequent visits, they may only need to see the team member necessary for their needs at that time.

Contact Us

For more information or to make an appointment with the MS Center, call (508) 236-7170. Please leave all non-urgent messages at this number.

Please note: Our Clinic Day is Thursday and we are closed on Fridays.