POLIO is largely thought to be a problem of the past in Australia, but there are thousands of survivors living with the disease's late effects who are slipping through the cracks of the health care system.
Polio Australia has launched a new clinical advisory group which will aim to increase the amount of support services for people living with polio's late effects and to increase the knowledge of health professionals.
Rachel Ingram
Polio Australia Health Promotions Officer
Health promotions officer Rachel Ingram said 400,000 Australians were diagnosed with polio before it was eradicated from Australia and thousands were living with late stage effects which include muscle weakness in new areas, pain and fatigue.
She said polio killed motor neurons, so as survivors aged, remaining motor neurons were killed off at a faster rate.
"It almost feels to many polio survivors as if their polio has come back again," she said.
"Most health professionals don't know about the late effects of polio. Most view it as a problem of the past."
The advisory group will be made up of 16 leading specialists (below) who will help Polio Australia deliver the best clinical practice research.
"We can use the expertise of these people to inform the workshops we do and improve support services and advocacy efforts."
The organisation is also preparing to launch a new blog for polio survivors which will provide up to date news and information for polio survivors.
Rachel: "The blog will keep people informed about new initiatives and activities that will be out there and will highlight various resources that will be available.
"It will also provide an opportunity for survivors to write in and share their stories."
For more information, or if you are a survivor and would like to share your story, email:
office@polioaustralia.org
or
poliosa.office@gmail.com
Clinical Advisory Group
Professor Robert Booy
Infectious Diseases Specialist
NSW, Australia
Yvonne Cohen
Speech Pathologist
VIC, Australia
Denise Currie
Coordinator, Polio Services Victoria
VIC, Australia
Ann Buchan
Neurological Physiotherapist (retired)
SA, Australia
Dr Stephen de Graaff
Rehabilitation Physician
VIC, Australia
William Levack
Associate Professor of Rehabilitation and Academic Head of the Rehabilitation Teaching and Research Unit
New Zealand
Lillian Drummond
Physiotherapist
New Zealand
Anne Duncan
Clinical Nurse Consultant
VIC, Australia
Gordon Jackman
CEO – Duncan Foundation
New Zealand
Dr Natasha Layton
Occupational Therapist
VIC, Australia
Melissa McConaghy
Neurological Physiotherapist
NSW, Australia
Dr Graham McGeoch
General Practitioner
New Zealand
Melinda Overall
Nutritionist
NSW, Australia
Dr Peter Nolan
General Physician
QLD, Australia
Dr Gareth Parry
Neurologist
New Zealand
Dr Nigel Quadros
Rehabilitation Physician
SA, Australia