Over the last five years, physiotherapist Helen Carrington has been quietly revolutionising care for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in the Greater Wellington region. With seven years as a community physiotherapist within Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ), Helen’s approach combines clinical expertise with a passionate commitment to early intervention.
Helen’s transformation began after completing the MS Get a Head Start professional development course and a subsequent refresher, shaping a new, proactive model for people with MS. “Previously, we often saw people much later in their MS journey, sometimes years after diagnosis,” she explained. “Now, with everyone newly diagnosed referred to our physiotherapy service (with their consent) we’re able to see most patients within six weeks.”
This shift has empowered Helen and her team to engage patients far earlier, creating opportunities for vital conversations about lifestyle management, exercise, and fatigue. Early intervention is now central to the service: “Many newly diagnosed patients appreciate getting advice and education right away. It gives them a sense of control and a path to living well with MS.”
Crucially, around 90-95% of newly diagnosed people opt for regular reviews, paving the way for ongoing support and quicker responses to relapses. Gilly Davy, founder of MS Get a Head Start, commends Helen’s dedication, noting that these changes have filled longstanding gaps in support and accessibility for people with MS.
Helen credits the success of this new approach to strong team and managerial backing, patient-focused communication, and a readiness to innovate. “Having the support of your colleagues, listening to what patients want, and just giving new ideas a go are all key,” she advises.
Helen’s work emphasises the power of education and early intervention in improving the lives of people with MS. Her proactive and patient-centred approach serves as a model for community physiotherapy, offering hope and support to those navigating the challenges of MS.
