Polio Australia launches clinical advisory group for polio survivors

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.

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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