Many neurologists are connected to the team, both within and outside Landspítali. The specialist physician who has diagnosed the disease and referred a person to the MND team continues to take care of the medical aspects of the disease, e.g. medication for different symptoms. The aim is for the patient to see his/her doctor at least every three months to monitor the progress of the disease, although this need may vary between individuals.

Nurses are located at daycare unit E-2 in Fossvogur. They are the main contact points of the MND team between patients, family members and professionals. They specialize in knowledge of the disease, such as symptoms, progression, prognosis and coping strategies. The primary role of the nurse is to provide education on the above mentioned issues and support. They also evaluate the progression of the disease and the needs of the patient and his/her family members. Nurses are responsible for managing visits to the ward but also go to home visits if needed or specifically requested. You can contact them via the telephone numbers and e-mail addresses given below.

You can reach the nurse of the MND team every working day from 8am to 3pm. You can also submit messages by calling 543 4010.

The physiotherapist assesses mobility and general skills. He also assesses the need for assistive devices with the goal of maintaining self-sufficiency for as long as possible. The physiotherapist is an advisor regarding suitable training options and can be a contact point for physiotherapists outside the team if requested. His role is also to arrange for mucosal therapy from the respiratory system, e.g. with a cough machine if needed.

The occupational therapist assesses skills in daily activities and provides advice to increase self-sufficiency as long as possible. The occupational therapist provides advice regarding the tools that can be used at any given time and applies for them as well as providing follow-up if appropriate. In addition, the occupational therapist provides advice regarding changes and/or adjustments to housing so that you can stay at home as long as possible as well as regarding car changes or car purchases.

A nutritionist assesses the nutritional condition and provides nutritional treatment followed by phone calls, visits to the outpatient ward or the witnesses. He provides individualized education and advice regarding nutrition, nutritional drinks and possible sondunæring and also applies for subsidies for nutritional products with the Icelandic Health Insurance, as appropriate.

A speech pathologist evaluates the speech of patients with MND disease and provides advice and follow-up regarding communication. A speech pathologist applies for an assistive device for communication if needed. A speech pathologist also diagnoses dysphagia, either by clinical examination, X-ray or reflection. Appropriate advice is given afterwards, such as changes in the texture of food and/or drink.

A social worker provides psychosocial support and counselling in the wake of changed circumstances, such as through individual, couple and/or family interviews. A personal and social problem is solved and people are informed about social resources and rights. A social worker participates in organizing social resources according to the changed needs of the individual and/or his/her family and cooperates with other therapists and institutions as appropriate.

A lung specialist will meet a patient with MND when symptoms from the respiratory system are detected or if a neurologist assesses the need for tests and assessment of respiratory capacity. If respiratory capacity is impaired, treatment with a respiratory machine is considered. A sleep examination or assessment of respiratory capacity and the installation of a respiratory machine will be carried out either in the home of the individual or in the ward of the lung or neurological department.

A nurse with expertise in nursing patients who are dependent on ventilators will be involved in the treatment soon after diagnosis of MND. He will provide education, support and follow-up according to individual needs. He will introduce treatment options when respiratory impairment occurs with the use of an external ventilator.

Individuals in ventilator therapy are followed by telephone calls, visits to the outpatient ward and with the home helpers as individually required.

Those diagnosed with MND have the option to see the team's psychologist. The goal is to provide 1 to 3 interviews, but this varies. There is the possibility of further follow-up if needed and the patient requests. Also, closest family members are offered psychological services, in an interview with the patient or in an individual interview.

Psychologists can provide psychological support and diagnose the mental aspects of the disease, including assessing the effects of the illness on the patient’s thinking and behaviour. In this way, the patient can be helped to find a way out of the changed circumstances.

The hospital chaplains and deacons provide pastoral care that may involve short-term companionship and support for patients and their families, or form part of the individual’s ongoing support network.

A hospital chaplain or deacon on call is always available within the hospital, while the team’s hospital chaplain generally provides follow-up and scheduled appointments.