On 7 June, The British Polio Fellowship (BPF) celebrated the development of its Optimal Care Pathway for people affected by polio, with an event at the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) in Cardiff.
The event focused on the importance of creating a Pathway for people affected by polio and the problems that need to be solved.
Every day, polio survivors face significant difficulties in accessing the care and treatment they need. Many doctors, consultants and other healthcare professionals don't have any or have limited knowledge of polio and its long-term consequences. Frequently, healthcare professionals refuse to believe Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS) exists, despite it being recognised by the NHS as a neurological condition.
The Fellowship's Pathway is a recommended patient path/route through the healthcare system to ensure polio survivors receive the right care, at the right time.
During its development BPF has consulted with lived experience groups and clinical professionals to create a Pathway and identify what is best practice and how to ensure it fits in-line with current health systems.
"This is a big step forward for the Fellowship to be bringing this Optimal Clinical Pathway to The Senedd" commented Kripen Dhrona, Chief Executive Officer at The British Polio Fellowship.
"This is such a special building and we're delighted to be here. Our Pathway will help polio survivors in Wales and across the UK, receive an early diagnosis for PPS and access appropriate treatment when it's needed and where possible at local services."
Attending the Senedd event were members of the Welsh Assembly, NHS Healthcare professionals, BPF members living with the late effects of polio and/or Post-Polio Syndrome, Trustees and Ambassadors.
Sponsored by Mark Isherwood MS, who is a Patron of the BPF, the event included presentations from Frances Quinn, BPF Trustee and Maria Potter, Occupational Therapist at St Thomas' Hospital in London. Powerful testimony of lived experience also came from Jerry Hutchinson, Vice-Chair of the BPF Board and Hamish Thompson, Ambassador and one of the BPF's youngest members aged just 25 years. Both presenters used the power of their pasts to explain their polio experience and the challenges they face in the future.
Established in 1939, The BPF is a charitable organisation dedicated to supporting and empowering people living with the late effects of polio and Post-Polio Syndrome. It provides information, welfare and support and campaigns to raise awareness of Post-Polio Syndrome.
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