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4
CHAIRMANS REPORT 2007
Another year gone – my how the times fly’ by these days.
Well we have had a very busy time during the past year with a few ups and a lot of downs but
the good new is that Doctor Purdie is making progress with the Health Authority and the
Scottish Executive regarding a Managed Clinical Network, although it is very slow.
Funding was made available from the Health Board for the Network to run self management
courses for M.E. sufferers, but the committee pointed out that the Network is only in a
position to run a support group. We are still looking at ways in which we can develop a position
for a support worker. A recent meeting with Doctor Purdie on this subject proved very
positive, so ‘watch this space’.
Funding has been a major problem over the last financial year, as previously reported, with
a massive let down from the Council but thanks to ‘The Big Lottery Fund’ we have managed
to stay in the black and seem financially secure over the next couple of years, but we mustn’t
get complacent. The ‘Gift Day’ was extremely successful and we are grateful of the support
from members.
The Christmas Charity Fayre in November last year, held in the Loreburn Centre, Dumfries
proved to be very successful. It was very rewarding in more ways than one making a total
profit of £366.00 for the Network funds. This event not only raised funds but also raised
our profile with a number of people requesting our brochure. A big thank you to all who
Contributed. Unfortunately I'm sorry to say the workload was too much and took its toll on
those who helped on the day.
Membership of the Network still continues to rise and we are in discussion with a newly
formed group in Wigtownshire [Some who are already members of the Network] They are
holding meetings and events in the West of the Region.
The Awareness day event at Lochthorn Library was very successful with a number of
members attending for the first time, it always nice to be able to put a name to a face.
The Cross Party Group on M.E. is currently reforming following the dissolvement of the
previous Parliament. A legacy paper was left for the new Parliament which is currently being
assessed by the newly elected members of the Scottish Parliament.
Following our funding award, Elaine Murray MSP made contact with the network, and
following a brief meeting at her surgery, she has spoken to the Health Board and Health
Minister and was given a good response.
I would like to thank all members of the committee for the support and hard work they have
been doing for the benefit of the Network. Special thanks to Stephen for all his work as
treasurer over the last few years. He is not in good health at the moment and wishes to
stand down from this position, but I’m pleased to say he remains on the committee. Thank
you and welcome to Zoe Little who has agreed to take on the role of treasurer. Appreciation
also goes to Lynn for her secretarial expertise, and Craig for his hours looking at a computer
screen, updating and looking after the website. A big thank you to Norma for all the hours
she puts into producing the Newsletter, with all the stress of trying to meet a deadline.
Denis Turner
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