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Welcome to this week's Independent Living newsletter
19.10.16 Contents:
Today is NHS Change Day
Change100 internships
Just what is CMT?
Osteoporosis update
Derek's View – Pressalit Care
Latest snippets - Prepaid prescription certificate
1. Today Is NHS Change Day

NHS Change Day has been going since 2013, when a small group of people came up with a great idea: encourage colleagues in the organisation to make a pledge to improve the way they do their job in some way, big or small.

That first successful day of action across England has continued and grown annually. It is an opportunity for everybody who cares about the NHS – including people who don't work within it – to do something that will change it for the better.

This year, for the first time, the event is being coordinated by the community interest organisation, The Academy of Fabulous NHS Stuff, whose founder, Roy Lilley, is a former NHS Trust chair, and well-known commentator and blogger. There is a new app for making pledges, which should make it easier to share the bright ideas. Former Change Day pledges have led to an effective campaign against pressure sores and a drive to find out from patients and carers what their main aim might be, so that doctors and nurses can work with them as a team with the same goal.

You can read more here

 

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2. Change100 internships

Unemployment rates amongst disabled people are consistently higher than in the population at large, for all sorts of reasons. Leaving aside the cohort of people who are without work because they aren't really well enough, no matter what the Work Capability Assessment may say, there are still significant numbers who would love to find a job, but struggle to get past barriers including employers' misconceptions about disability.

Change100 is a programme from Leonard Cheshire Disability which brings together disabled students with major employers, for three-month paid internships. It has been running since 2014, and all the previous participants have found it a valuable contribution to their personal confidence and their CV. For the companies involved, including Barclays, Taylor Wimpey, Lloyds and the BBC, they have gained an understanding of how their businesses can be more accessible and inclusive, and an appreciation of the value of diversity in the workplace. Applications for next summer's internships are now open – students are advised to apply early.

There is more information here

  

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3. Just what is CMT?

Although it is little-known, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is actually one of the most common inherited neurological condition in the world. Named after the scientists who discovered it, CMT is a currently incurable and steadily progressive condition. It affects around 23,000 people in the UK, causing muscle weakness in the lower legs and hands.

People who have CMT are often fatigued, walk awkwardly and endure twisted ankles, balance problems, pain and falls for many years without ever knowing why. As a result, they can be left feeling bewildered and extremely isolated.

We have published a case study on Independent Living, featuring Lisa Welsh, who has a severe form of CMT, which means she needs to use a power chair to get about – but as you will see, she hasn't let that slow her down! CMT UK has just produced a rather striking short film to raise awareness of the condition, which is also included.

Read more about Lisa Welsh and CMT here

 

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4. Osteoporosis update

For most people, a diagnosis of osteoporosis arrives courtesy of their first fracture. It is known as the “silent disease”, because it doesn’t give advance warning by way of other symptoms, so is hard to detect before the damage is done.

Tomorrow is World Osteoporosis Day, and a good opportunity to think about the risk of developing fragile bones, and what can be done to avoid it. Half of women and one in five men over 50 will have a fracture because of osteoporosis: it costs the NHS an estimated £2.2 billion, and is expected to rise significantly with the increasingly ageing population.

There is now a non-invasive screening test available to assess your individual risk of the condition – and there are plenty of things you can do to help keep your bones strong. It's never too soon to start: changes in bone structure can start in your 30s...

You can read more here

 

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5. Derek's View – Pressalit Care

In a major refurbishment at Treloar College, which is home to young people with physical disabilities from all over the UK, the 18 ensuite wet rooms have been fitted with a range of shower and washing equipment that support the College's positive and caring environment.

The spacious bathrooms are each fitted with Pressalit Care’s horizontal track Plus system which allow elements within the room to be moved and adjusted, catering for wheelchair manoeuvrability and to give space for carers to work safely. The track provides a sleek modern look which goes down well with residents, whilst enabling safety in their care.

You can see more details here

If you provide high quality products and services, and you would like to reach our site visitors and newsletter readers, please email derek@independentliving.co.uk

 

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6. Latest snippets – Prepaid prescription certificate

This useful bit of information comes direct from the Independent Living Facebook Group – you are very welcome to join us there! It concerns prescriptions, which can add up to a significant cost if you live in England and have to pay for them. In other parts of the UK, they are free. There is an NHS prescription prepayment certificate which saves you money if you need more than one prescription a month – so well worth it for many people with long-term health conditions. A 12 month PPC costs £104, and you can spread the cost with a direct debit.

You can read more and apply here.

 

As always, there are various ways you can get in touch with Independent Living: email me; visit our Facebook page and leave a message there; or if it's short and sweet, Tweet!

Previous newsletters are archived here.

If you are reading a copy of the Independent Living newsletter that has been passed on to you by a colleague or friend, why not sign up for your own free subscription – it's quick and easy, and won't lead to your inbox being bombarded with other stuff!

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Until next time, all good wishes,

Frances

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Frances Leckie
Editor

e: editor @ independentliving.co.uk
t: +44 (0) 208 133 0628
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