Francis Tirelli, Deloitte Italy, and the Italian Multiple Sclerosis Society

Francis Tirelli is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Deloitte Italy where he manages more than 3,000 employees. He enjoys serving a company that involves itself in numerous charitable and outreach activities in Italy, including the Italian Multiple Sclerosis Society (AISM), an organization for which Deloitte Italy staffers volunteered at its seventh annual Impact Day in 2010, a day of service dedicated to supporting local nonprofit organizations. Volunteers took part in “Here we are,” which involved 900 employees volunteering at 25 AISM branches; they helped deliver transport and home-care services, raised funds, and offered advice in finance and technology. Many also took part in an AISM course about multiple sclerosis, disability, and services available for people with MS.

Much like other MS societies, AISM works to educate the public about MS and provide services for MS patients and their families. In 1976, AISM proudly achieved a significant improvement in services for MS patients when the organization launched its in-home rehabilitation program in Genoa, Italy. AISM initiated the program because the National Healthcare System did not provide for the needs of severely impaired MS patients unable to leave their homes for treatment and services or those unable to leave jobs to obtain treatment during the hours offered. Until 1982, AISM covered all costs of the program until the NHS recognized patients who received care at home avoided long hospital stays and costs of transportation to and from rehabilitation facilities. NHS agreed to subsidize the program.

AISM’s service receives support from diagnostic and treatment centers and health providers alike and both provide information to patients about the program. In addition, news about the rehabilitation service regularly appears in the MS Society’s magazine.

The first step toward receiving the AISM service involves a social worker that goes to the patient’s home and explains what is available and determines if the person is eligible for benefits. Next, a team comprised of a doctor, nurse, occupational and physical therapists, a psychologist, and a social worker meets with the patient for a comprehensive evaluation, and if the service is deemed appropriate for the patient, the team develops a rehabilitation plan. Physical therapy, psychological counseling, advice on modifying the home for the patient, training for both the patient and family, and speech and swallowing therapy are all services provided in-home by the program.

At this time, ASIM serves approximately 651 individuals.

Comments are closed.