Forum
Article Type: Forum From: Social Care and Neurodisability, Volume 2, Issue 2
Welcome to the Forum section of Social Care and Neurodisability,your opportunity to post responses to articles from previous issues and to raise awareness of forthcoming events, consultations, policy initiatives, etc. This edition of Forum has been compiled by Dr Keith Jenkins, who looks forward to your responses by e-mail or post.
Dr Keith G. Jenkins, CPsychol, CSci
National Brain Injury Centre
St Andrew’s Healthcare
Northampton
Tel.: +44 (0)1604 616767
E-mail: kjenkins@standrew.co.uk
A National Health Service?
I am sure that it will not have escaped the notice of most readers that a fundamental change in the organisation of the National Health Service is upon us. Apparently, driven by the need to ensure that the NHS can meet the challenges of increased demand for services such as an ageing population and a widening range of treatments without becoming too expensive. Our reactions to this will reflect a personal blend of experience and political inclinations,however, the cost issue as regards “our NHS” is one that I find challenging if taken from a systemic point of view. That is, notwithstanding changes in government spending priorities that are possible but seem unlikely in the short term, such as making our independent nuclear deterrent redundant, the main source of funds remains income tax. Are there any volunteers out there willing to pay more? Especially, without any guarantee of effective and efficient use of such extra resources, or a potential merry-go-round of tax increase after tax increase. Given this, perhaps NHS changes are needed to ensure best use of funding, but are the current proposals with their emphasis on GP commissioning going to deliver?
As yet, I understand that it is has not yet been decided how far specialist services, such as brain injury rehabilitation or health-related support for people with neurodisability living in the community or in units will be organised. Will GP’s understand the needs of people with, for example,multiple sclerosis, Huntington’s disease or motor neurone disease? How long will a GP want to fund specialist input that may in reality be required over the very long term? Alternatively, if a national or regional commissioning board takes the lead, how will they be equipped to deal with decisions about such complex needs? Finally, and perhaps of the greatest concern, will we still have a “National” Health Service at the end of this change process?Already, where a person lives within the UK makes a difference to their NHS service (e.g. free prescriptions in Scotland and Wales, and not England; and free nursing and personal care in Scotland alone). In the future, the GP consortia you are registered with may have just as big an impact upon what services you may receive. Does not anybody remember the postcode lottery debate?
Why not tell me how you feel about these issues or how your particular area of neurodisability is being affected.
Forthcoming events/announcements
London, 21 July 2011 Open Lecture – Goodman House Garden Research Lecture. Huntington’s disease is an inherited neuro-degenerative disease that causes disorders of movement, balance, behaviour and cognition. A garden has been replanted under the guidance of a horticulturist using a suitable ergonomic method of gardening. Residents have grown flowers and vegetables and, in the Winter, done garden-related crafts, cooking and computer activities. The results of the research on this project will be presented. Free lecture open to everyone, but please contact Phili Denning on 020 8780 4500 x5140 or e-mail: institute@rhn.org.uk if you plan to attend as places are limited.
Bristol, 21-22 September 2011 The Fourth International Conference from The Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust will look at the latest developments and strategies for the treatment and rehabilitation of people with acquired brain injury.
The first day’s plenary sessions will provide an opportunity to hear international speakers present their latest research and theories. Day two is devoted to symposia and practical “hands on” workshops, enabling delegates to participate in debate, discussion, learn new techniques and share good practice. Available at: www.birt.co.uk/content.asp?page_id=214or contact Frances Pitwell on 01924 224472 or e-mail: frances.pitwell@thedtgroup.org
London, 26 September 2011 Open Lecture – Assistive Technology for Complex Disability Communication & Control. This talk will explore the current role of assistive technology in helping people with complex disabilities to communicate, use a computer and have control over their environment. The talk will explore current practice, recent developments and possibilities for the future. Free lecture open to everyone, but please contact Phili Denning on 020 8780 4500 x5140 or e-mail: institute@rhn.org.uk if you plan to attend as places are limited.
Liverpool, 1-3 November 2011 The 6th UK Dementia Congress will be held at the BT Convention Centre, Liverpool – a new venue for the event. It offers an exciting mix of plenary sessions, parallel session, workshops and posters as well as early bird and lunchtime special interest sessions. There will also be a dedicated Alzheimer’s Society stream. For details see www.careinfo.org/uk-dementia-congress.php
Thursday, 10 November 2011 UKABIF Annual Conference at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham. Details at www.ukabif.org.uk/ukabif-annual-conference
London, 17 November 2011 Open Lecture – Low Awareness States. Full details about this lecture will follow nearer the time. Free lecture open to everyone, but please contact Phili Denning on 020 8780 4500 x5140 or e-mail: institute@rhn.org.ukif you plan to attend as places are limited.
Campaigning opportunities
National Voices is the national charity coalition for health and social care. It aims to strengthen the voice of people who come into contact with the NHS and care services, and of the voluntary organisations that work for them. Its broad membership, rooted in people’s experience, represents millions of people and covers a diverse range of health conditions and communities. It claims to be the only organised and representative national voice of the broad public interest in health and social care, and its events and campaigns do appear to attract political interest.
National Voices views 2011 as a pivotal year for health and social care as the government’s many-headed reform agenda takes shape and encounters other rising pressures, spending cuts, and politics. Its role is to ensure that the patient and public voice is heard at national level. Currently, National Voices are pressing to ensure:
That the Health and Social Care Bill is strong on patient and public involvement and accountability, and that subsequent measures for social care are also fit for purpose.
That Health Watch realises its potential as a powerful champion for patients, service users and communities, and that lessons are learned from predecessor bodies, e.g. LINks.
There are clear and effective ways for patients and communities to get involved in GP commissioning.
Shared decision making becomes a reality and the government’s transforming the relationship agenda results in a partnership of equals between service users and clinicians.
To add your voice to National Voices check out their work on www.nationalvoices.org.uk/
And finally
If you have any questions or opinions that you would like to share with the wider neurodisability community, why not send them into Forum. I look forward to hearing from you.
