Inspirational Influencing

 

We think      EAST DORSET & NEW FOREST         Branch deserves this award because:

 

At the instigation of our President, Dr Charles Hillier, and Karen Wetherick, our RCDA, a Multi-Disciplinary Team has been formed to cover all plwmnd in the Poole area.

 

The meetings will be held every two months at Poole Hospital, chairmanship will alternate.  Already there is an operational policy document in place which will be reviewed in June 2009.

 

The first meeting was held on 28 May and was attended by 12 people: 2 DNs, 2 OTs, Sister from the local hospice, Dr for palliative care, 2 SALTs, Physio, Dietitian, 2 reps from MND (RCDA and AV).   Each plwmnd was discussed.

 

At the next meeting on 2 July attended by 14 people agreement was reached on the proforma for written information and the letter to GPs to explain about the MDT meetings.  Within 5 working days of the meeting the GP will receive in written form the recommendations of the MDT.

 

I was most impressed with the professionalism and the keenness shown by all the HCPs.  They were very open to any suggestions made by the representatives of the MND Association.  Communication is so essential and by sharing in discussions on all plwmnd, this will add enormously to their knowledge of MND.  They are certainly keen to do all they can to help those living with MND and a group such as this will have enormous benefits to patients and carers.

 

It is proposed to start a similar group in Bournemouth shortly.

 

The Special Interest Group started earlier this year has had a second meeting – the first one led by Dr Hillier on the diagnosis, the second by Dr Richard Sloan on the Mental Capacity Act in relation to advanced directives.  These meetings will be quarterly and cover the whole of our area.

 

These are very positive ways in which we can work with the Health and Social Care Professionals to educate and communicate to ensure that plwmnd receive the best possible care.