MARS assists patients in identifying the ideal medical practitioners – including international doctors – for their condition, obtaining the relevant referrals, and securing consultations in a timely manner. Our close collaboration with leading doctors in all fields is highly advantageous to patients, giving them a smoother route to accessing care of the highest calibre. Additionally, our trustees raise funds and seek grants to cover the costs of achieving MARS’ ultimate purpose of supporting patients and their families. In cases where financial considerations prohibit patients from receiving the care they need, MARS covers the costs of private consultations and treatments not funded by the NHS. This funding is contingent on MARS being involved in the case and the need for private care being clear.
For patients who are trying to reach a diagnosis, or those who have recently received a diagnosis, MARS is often their starting point as they struggle to navigate unfamiliar terrain. MARS clearly maps and explains the next steps, supporting every patient according to their unique needs and circumstances. After the initial phone call, patients are assigned a consistent point of contact who develops a full understanding of the patient’s needs. This also ensures the patient does not have to repeatedly relay their situation and particulars to several people at the office.
When the hunt is on for the ideal treatment plan, one medical opinion may not be enough. It can take a second opinion – or even a third and fourth – to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the options and make an informed decision. MARS sends patients’ medical records to as many specialists as is required until the next steps can be taken confidently. At MARS, often our first piece of advice for patients is to seek a second opinion – read the explanation here.
Our team strives to keep abreast of the latest medical breakthroughs, developments, treatments and trials, and attend medical conferences and meetings alongside doctors. When patients approach MARS with a diagnosis of a rare illness, MARS carries out extensive research to ensure we are able to best guide and support the patient. We reach out to top professionals to obtain information and their recommendations for doctors best suited to the case. Additionally, we strive to obtain updated information about the latest treatment trials. While patients are typically cared for by a devoted team, they are often simply unaware of trials available only in certain hospitals – which may be just a few miles away. In some cases these trials represent a patient’s best, or last, option.
When patients are unable to easily access medical care from their local GP or hospital, MARS arranges for private GPs to operate local clinics free of charge. During public holidays or when GP services are reduced and waiting times are long, MARS is there to ensure that patients nevertheless receive efficient, quality care.
For patients facing long-term medical challenges, MARS appoints a dedicated volunteer case worker to serve as a consistent source of support, attending meetings and appointments with the patient, liaising with their doctors, and developing a thorough familiarity of the case.
In the event of a visitor falling ill while in the UK, MARS facilitates their journey back to their home country. Additionally, in rare situations where a patient is to seek treatment abroad, MARS steps in to arrange the flight and medical team to accompany the patient, and where necessary, to raise the substantial funds required.
Emergencies happen out of office hours too, and our crisis line operates 24/7 so we can stand by patients when they need it most, delivering guidance, clarification of medical terminology, and getting everyone involved – the patient, their family, and the medical team – onto the same page.