At various points along your journey you will encounter a range of specialists and services. Some will become involved with you more than others. You may not need all services listed below.

Research indicates that quality of life is improved when the health professionals and service agencies have a coordinated approach to care with regular communication liaison and networking. This extended team is often referred to as the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) or the primary health care team and will include some of the people listed below.

It is helpful if you can establish a relationship with these people early, even if you do not need specific assistance at that stage.  They can help you to anticipate needs so that you don’t have to wait for assistance when you do need it.

General Practitioner
The general practitioner (GP) is usually the first point of medical contact for a person with MND. GPs can carry out a basic neurological examination, and recognise symptoms that indicate the need for referral to a neurologist. The GP will then liaise with the neurologist, other specialists and allied health care providers to provide on-going care and to maintain quality of life.

Neurologist
The neurologist does tests that exclude other conditions that are not MND before confirming MND. The neurologist will monitor the progress of the disease and help to initiate supportive care at appropriate times.

Occupational Therapist
An occupational therapist (OT) helps to maintain mobility, function and independence. OTs can advise on different ways of performing tasks and help you choose and obtain equipment to assist you to complete activities of daily living. Occupational therapists can visit private homes to advise on equipment or home alterations.

Physiotherapist
A physiotherapist helps maintain physical activity and mobility. They can also provide advice on how to manage respiratory symptoms. Physiotherapists can instruct carers in the techniques of positioning and transfer to avoid injury to themselves or the person with MND.

Speech-Language Therapist
The speech-language therapist helps in the management of communication and swallowing. They can advise on strategies and devices to maintain communication, and advise on swallowing techniques and food consistencies that help compensate for difficulties.

Dietitian
A dietitian provides dietary advice to help you maintain adequate nutrition and hydration, at all stages of the disease.

Respiratory Specialist
The respiratory specialist is a doctor who works with a team specialising in disorders of the lungs and breathing. The respiratory specialist team provides information and advice about breathing difficulties that can occur with MND.

District Nurse
A community or district nurse can provide a range of nursing and ancillary services to people in their own homes. Services are usually obtained by referral from a health professional such as a GP.

Social Worker
A social worker can provide information on community services that may assist you with information about benefits, accommodation, legal, financial and other issues.

Counsellor
Psychologist or accredited counsellors support people experiencing significant change in their lives. Counselling is available through various agencies for the person with MND and their whanau.

Palliative Care Team and Hospice Services
The palliative care team specialises in supporting quality of life for people with life-limiting conditions. The team is often based at a local hospice and may include medical specialists, nurses, social workers and counsellors. They can help with symptom management, emotional support, advance care planning, and advise about medications. Community teams support people to remain at home; respite care is available at some hospices as well as end-of-life support.

MND Clinic
Some DHBs provide specialist MND clinics. These provide reviews and then liaise with the various health professionals involved with an individual's care.