17

FOLLOW UP WORKSHOP 13 SEPTEMBER 2006

 

 An update of points made at the Workshop held in July this year.  Starting with -:

 

 Dumfries and Galloway ME Network.

What we are happy with:

Communication - The Newsletter and The website. Although better information needed to find locations of meetings -a map would be helpful.

 

 We could do better in these areas

 

▪              Finance of Newsletter – Suggestion of writing to local businesses for funding        and in return we would advertise their company in the newsletter.  

       Disclaimer already in place.

▪              Website and email - already have links to other sites e.g. ME information and        supplements etc.   It was suggested we could advertise on our site for a

       donation and to do the same with the newsletter.

▪              Contact with Health Board - We would like more feedback from Health                                                                                    board.  

▪              Newsletter by email - already sent to Joan Pollard Superintendent

       Physiotherapy; who agreed to circulate to relevant staff and to get info        back for newsletter.

▪              Ask members to request extra copies of newsletter to pass on to ME

       sufferers they know and to put in doctors’ surgeries - on hold at present due        to lack of funds to produce newsletter.

▪              Post meetings dates in surgeries and libraries - Dr Purdie could possibly

       address this with the Health Board and we would need to pre-arrange with

       libraries.   Norma confirmed that Social Work Department are already

       informed of meeting dates via Newsletter.  The Elderly Forum was

       suggested as well.

▪              Meetings and social events held regularly in the same location for ease of        remembering - about 19 members attended the last  meeting at Garden         Wise: 

▪              Occasional education meetings with speakers and demonstrations - tried        educational meetings in the past but not well supported.

▪              Janet Graham suggested another reception/workshop for patients to inform        GP’s.   She agreed to look into obtaining information for practitioners.  Try        to get more GP’s on board

▪              An ME benefits pack and expert advice and help - info re PASS, Citizens

       Advice, and Welfare Rights.   PASS in Buccleuch Street offered to meet        with the Network members.

▪              An advice line - on hold at present due to lack of funds - fits in with ME        buddy.   Volunteers would need training, possibly from Health Board.