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The Survivor Newsletter: Autumn 2010

Inside this issue:

and much more..

HEAD OFFICE STAFF

Tel: 01 889 8920
Fax: 01 889 8924
Web site: www.ppsg.ie

CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Eamonn Farrell
Email: ceo@ppsg.ie

SERVICES TO POLIO SURVIVORS
Lillian McElvaney
Email: sic@ppsg.ie

CLERICAL OFFICER
Ursula Treacy
Email: info@ppsg.ie

REGIONAL SUPPORT WORKER
Anne Shanahan
Email: anne.shanahan@ppsg.ie

BOARD MEMBERS
John McFarlane (Chair & Editor)
Tel: 057 9353552
Mobile: 087 202 9830
Email: newsletter@ppsg.ie jmcfarlane1@iolfree.ie

Paula Lahiff (Deputy Chair)
Tel: 071 916 4791
Mobile: 086 322 4402
Email: paulalahiff@gmail.com

Hugh Conlon (Co. Secretary)
Tel: 091 751 750
Mobile: 086 803 6145
Email: hcon@eircom.net secretary@ppsg.ie

Clara Dunne (Treasurer)
Tel: 01 672 1601
(W) Fax: 01 672 1650 Tel: 01 8335524
(H) Mobile: 087 227 6202
Email: clara.dunne@caceis.com

Joan Bradley (Board Member)
Tel/ Fax: 01 454 9237
Mobile: 086 364 0170
Email: amjbradley@eircom.net

Anne Burns (Board Member)
Tel: 01 453 4150
Email: boyneabu@eircom.net

Jim Costello (Board Member)
Tel/Fax: 01 620 6154 (Mon - Friday)
Tel/Fax: 01 260 0099 (Weekend)
Email: jjcos@indigo.ie

Hugh Hamilton (Board Member)
Tel/Fax: 01 289 4800
Mobile: 087 255 3012
Email: hamsalem@eircom.net

Bridie McMahon (Board Member)
Tel: 094 954 0285
Mobile: 087 958 0567
Email: sbmcmahon70@gmail.com

Séamus Ó Cinnéide (Board Member)
Tel: 01 496 1133
Mobile: 086 8513594
Email: seamus.ocinneide@nuim.ie higgeide@gofree.indigo.ie

Evelyn Wainwright (Board Member)
Tel/Fax: 021 484 7313
Mobile: 086 882 9267
Email: evelyn99911@hotmail.com

COMMITTEES

Compliance & Governance
John McFarlane (Chair)
Hugh Conlon, Jim Costello, Séamus Ó Cinnéide

Ethics & Member’s Benefits
Paula Lahiff (Chair)
Joan Bradley, Hugh Conlon, Séamus Ó Cinnéide

Fundraising
Hugh Hamilton (Chair)
Anne Burns, James Kinahan, Barbara McDonagh, Bridie McMahon, Evelyn Wainwright

Social Support
Anne Burns (Chair)
Marie Boland, Susan Dowling, Maggie Gillespie, Paula Lahiff, Bridie McMahon, Evelyn Wainwright

Social Support Convenors
Edwin Bailey, Marie Boland, Francis Clancy, Hugh Conlon, Brian Crummy, Susan Dowling, Paddy Fitzpatrick, Joan Gargan, Nuala Harnett, James Kinahan, Dolly Lawlor, John Mangan Barbara McDonagh, Joseph McGee, Jim Murphy, Eddie Roycroft, Povl Thim, Evelyn Wainwright

Phone Support Co-ordinator:
Susan Dowling

Phonechat Project Hosts
Paula Lahiff, Shirley Martin, Patricia Milburn

RingRing Project Leaders
Peggy Brennan, Leo Dempsey, Tom Gallery, Geraldine Mardy, Christine O’Connor, Sheila O’Sullivan, Anne Pepper

POST POLIO SUPPORT GROUP (Ireland)
Unit 319, Capel Building, Mary’s Abbey, Dublin 7.
Tel: 01-8898920 Fax: 01-8898924
Email: info@ppsg.ie or visit our website: www.ppsg.ie

DISCLAIMER: Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the Editor and the Board can accept no liability. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily their views or the views of the Group. The Group does not endorse any product or service that may be featured.

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MESSAGE FROM JOHN Mc FARLANE

Photo of John Mc FarlaneAt the first Board meeting after the Limerick Conference and AGM, my fellow Directors elected me as Chair. Didn’t we have a great time in Limerick?

I have a very difficult act to follow as Hugh Hamilton steered the Group through difficult times, and times of great change both within the Group and within the agencies with whom we have to deal, the most notable being the Health Service Executive. Regardless of the many criticisms that body receives it still remains, even in difficult economic times, a staunch supporter of the Group and the values it represents. Hugh nurtured that relationship with consummate skill, I only hope I can follow his example of quiet wisdom and diplomacy.

My initial and urgent task is bringing a good plan together for the Group to succeed Plan2010 and you will see the results later on this edition with NEW HORIZONS – Plan2015. Building upon the previous strategic plan that established the Group’s core values, it draws on the comments and suggestions from you all, both given individually and as groups. It points the way forward to keep the group relevant to Polio Survivors needs, dynamic to the challenges we face and helping to make the Group a truly member led organisation.

The goals that the Group had and still does espouse so enthusiastically today will not be achieved in difficult times to come by just standing still, by attitudes becoming so entrenched that the Group cannot move decisively forward. The challenges to be faced must be seen as opportunities and grasped with all the necessary momentum and urgency so that we can make a difference, in a positive way, for all Polio Survivors.

I am, and always have been, enthusiastic in the promotion of balanced risk taking in all types of enterprises, and in the fight for justice, social equality and the rights of all disadvantaged groups. This also means finding, training and developing those within our sphere of influence who can take on these risk taking roles. If this Group is to stay vibrant and meaningful in its work, for Polio Survivors largely forgotten by society in general, we need, and need others with, drive and commitment; the vision to challenge, intolerance of extended processes and the belief to fight for what is right. We need people such as this not just from within the group but also in the extended family of Polio Survivors, it is they who will be looking after the aging cohort of Polio Survivors.

We face challenging times and I look forward to meeting them with your support.

It is with a tinge of sadness that I sit at my keyboard to write this, as I am standing down as the Editor of THE SURVIVOR . In terms of length of service I am a mere novice compared to my predecessor but although an incredibly tiring and sometimes frustrating job it gives great satisfaction when you see the result in print. The new editor will be announced shortly.

There is the usual mix in this edition but as you will see we are not carrying the extensive round up of regional events. There are many reasons but the most compelling are the ones coming back from you, the members and readers of THE SURVIVOR . You have kept telling me you want bigger pictures, bigger print, more information.

In this edition is a poignant tribute to Noreen Bruen from her family, a well known member in the Cork area who passed away earlier this year. An ardent supporter of the Group, as is her whole family, she is sorely missed by all. Then there is an alternative view of polio in the 50s, not from a Survivor but from a physio who worked in the North.

And an innovation, a competition called the Con Quiz, and you will find 11 entry sheets enclosed. It is a fun way of getting all members, family, relatives, even strangers to engage in fund raising for the Group. You never know you might be a lucky winner of one of the fabulous prizes – but remember you have to be in it to win it.

Lastly until the new editor is announced you can still send pieces through to me and I will ensure they are passed on for possible inclusion.

John R McFarlane
Tel: 087-2029830
Email: newsletter@ppsg.ie or jmcfarlane1@iolfree.ie

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MISSION STATEMENT
Our Mission is to create awareness and to provide information regarding the late effects of polio among Polio Survivors, statutory agencies and the wider medical profession, and to ensure that the needs of Polio Survivors relating to their condition are met to enable them to live with dignity.

LIVING WITH SLEEP APNOEA A FIRST HAND ACCOUNT BY PPSG MEMBER EDWIN BAILEY

At the 2010 Post Polio Support Group Conference and AGM, while chairing the late morning session, I mentioned that I suffered from Sleep Apnoea and subsequently a few people have asked me about the condition. Knowing that a number of Post Polio sufferers also display the symptoms of Sleep Apnoea, I thought I might give my personal experience in the hope it might help someone.

About 8 years ago my wife constantly complained about my snoring which was very loud. I ignored her, until she threatened to go to the spare room ….. permanently. On one occasion while I was sleeping, she recorded me snoring and played it back full volume, needless to say it woke me. Along with snoring I also regularly stopped breathing while sleeping, sometimes for as much as 48 seconds. Then I would jerk, snort, and start breathing again. This alarmed my wife who witnessed it many times, something I was completely unaware of at first. A number of times she thought I was gone and shook me awake. This sleep behaviour meant I did not have satisfactory deep sleep and woke up tired and often lacked energy. So much so that one day I fell asleep in the office. The danger was I could fall asleep while driving, kill myself or perhaps somebody else. I realised there was something wrong. I went to my GP who immediately suggested I had Sleep Apnoea. He arranged an appointment with a sleep specialist at the Sleep Clinic in Limerick Regional Hospital. After a series of non-intrusive tests the specialist confirmed the GP’s suspicions, I had Sleep Apnoea. I asked what was the cure, she responded There is no cure - but we can treat you .

The treatment advised was the use of a CPAP machine (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). This device gently delivers air under slight pressure to the airways by means of a nasal mask. This action gently keeps the airways open enabling constant breathing and comfortable sleeping ... all night long. And it eliminates snoring thus retaining your partner in the marital bed. My wife says the sound of the CPAP machine is like waves rolling onto a sandy shore in Dingle – the mind is a wonderful thing. Problem solved

... or was it. At first I couldn’t sleep at all with the mask on, then I tried an hour, then two hours, until I could accomplish a full night. This took about a month. I now get a full night’s sleep so my problem is remarkably reduced. When I contacted polio I suffered complete paralysis and spent 3 weeks in an iron lung in Cherry Orchard Fever Hospital. That was 52 years ago. I now have some renewed difficulty breathing especially while lying on my back; the CPAP machine helps me greatly with this and acts as a respirator. One should breathe naturally, without ever thinking about it. Because of my Post Polio condition I think about breathing constantly.

WHAT IS SLEEP APNOEA?

Sleep Apnoea is the stopping of breathing during sleep . When breathing stops the levels of oxygen in the blood drops. This causes a reflex response and a message is sent to the brain wake up – wake up . The airways are forced open and one wakes up with a loud snort and jerking motion. One is not fully awake but awake out of your deep sleep. This could happen 50 times a night resulting in a very bad night’s sleep. One is constantly tired and the day’s activity is affected. One may become irritable thus all around them suffer. It is not a disease, it is a condition. Some sufferers are too macho to accept they have the condition. Others do not accept that their partner has the condition. Some years ago I was at a seminar on Sleep Apnoea, looking around the room 90% of those present were over weight. Having weight on reduces the space in the airways, loosing weight can help but it is not a cure. If you snore a lot you do not necessarily have Sleep Apnoea, or, if you have Sleep Apnoea you do not necessarily snore. Not all cases are the same. There are 3 different types of Sleep Apnoea, Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), Central Sleep Apnoea and Mixed Sleep Apnoea. OSA is by far the most common, the type I have.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP YOURSELF.

A NOTE OF CAUTION.

When I was diagnosed and a treatment recommended I purchased a CPAP machine outright, at a cost of £800.00, thinking I would have it forever. (I think it was pounds at the time and I received a tax rebate for portion of the cost). However, after 3 years it gave me some problems and I had to replace it. I could not afford to purchase again so I rented at a cost of €99.00 per month. The advantage is I can reclaim all this cost on the Drugs Refund Scheme. Wow…what a relief. Also, if it gives trouble it is the supplier’s responsibility to replace it with a working machine. To keep the machine working effectively one has to replace the air filter at least twice a year and one must also check frequently the hose and mask to ensure that no air leaks develop thus reducing the effectiveness of the apparatus.

INFORMATION ON THE WEB

On the Irish Sleep Apnoea Trust website (www.isat.ie) every question you are likely to have regarding Sleep Apnoea is answered. There are also other web sites worthy of a visit. If you have similar symptoms to mine there is no excuse not to be informed well on the subject and the treatment is easy.

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THE CON QUIZ

Autumn Fund Raiser

Enclosed in your copy of THE SURVIVOR you will find 11 copies of The Con Quiz . This Quiz has been created in an effort to raise essential funding for our organisation. The idea is that each member sells a number of these to their friends or neighbours at €2 each and returns the completed entries, together with fee, to the Group’s Dublin office by the 7th December 2010, for the prize draw on the 9th of December. The incentive - if you sell 10 you get a free entry yourself, if you sell 20 you get 2 free entries and so on. If you need more entry forms, just photocopy one as many times as you need. Multiple entries accepted. Each answer begins with CON. Please have the original photo-copied before you start, no point in giving others your answers. Get together with friends or family and have a go, it can be a lot of fun.

First prize – 2 nights B&B and one Dinner for 2 in The Strand Hotel, Limerick
Second prize – 6 bottles of fine wine.
Third prize – A hamper of toiletries.

Return to: Post Polio Support Group, Unit 319, Capel Building, Mary’s Abbey, Dublin 7

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RETIRING – WELL SORT OF!

Amongst the earliest Social Support Groups to be set up were those in Newbridge and Galway, and their Convenors have decided it is time to move on.

Paddy Moyles, set up the Newbridge Group and has been in post for 5 years, but now with increasing demand it has been decided to split the Group into two, with new ones being established in Carlow and Clane. Both these Groups had well attended inaugural meetings in the last week of July. Paddy will continue to attend the Carlow group, and everyone from both locations wished him well and thanked him for all his hard work. Unfortunately he was unable to attended the Clane meeting in person as he suffered a fall, as well as the Group’s thanks we wish him a speedy recovery.

Bridie McMahon has stepped down as the Convenor of the Galway and Mayo Groups and has been succeeded by Barbara McDonagh and Hugh Conlon respectively. Our appreciation goes to her and her husband, Seamus, for all their hard work in nurturing these groups but the Group as a whole is thankful she will continue with her involvement with fund raising and the Board of Trustees and Directors. Asked what she was going to do with all that new found spare time she replied Relax, enjoy my family and travel.

TALKING ABOUT BARBARA MCDONAGH HERE IS A TIP SHE LEARNT THE EXPENSIVE WAY:-
If travelling by boat to one of the offshore islands make sure your scooter/wheelchair is stored below deck sheltered from seawater during the journey. (She had to get a new scooter as hers was damaged last year on the boat to Inishboffin).

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NOREEN BRUEN NEE BATT

(14/11/1939 TO 30/10/2009)

Noreen grew up in 34 Lough Road, Cork which is near the Lough (which is renowned for housing birds and fish and is a beautiful amenity). She lived there with her mother and 4 brothers and 3 sisters. (Her father died when she was four).

Noreen attended school in St Manes of the Isle and from there went to the Vocational Technical School.

Noreen worked in different jobs including Spiddare’s grocery shop and other grocery shops. She also worked in Marina Textiles which was based in the Marina towards Blackrock. Here she worked as a seamstress. She was also made supervisor for a time.

Noreen loved dancing and would regularly go to dance halls with her friends including the Gresham, the Arcadia and would go on excursions to dancehalls in places such as Crosshaven and Youghal. Noreen also used to love to sing and was even asked to sing with a band. She was a member of the choir in St Francis Church.

Noreen met our father Finbarr at the Gresham dance hail and they got engaged at midnight mass in 1968. They got married on the 7 of February 1970 in the Immaculate Conception Church in the Lough. Noreen moved to 29 Old Blackrock Road, Cork and lived here the rest of her life.

Noreen has 2 children. Marilyn was born on the 5 February 1971 and Finbarr was born on the 7 November 1977. Noreen also has 2 grandchildren from Marilyn and Gordon (son-in-law). Cormac was born on the 10 May 1999 and Aoife was born on the 31 of July 2000. Noreen loved her grandchildren and when they were growing up often took them to places such as Cobh and even to Dublin.

From the mid 1980’s Noreen used to run buses to several different places including places of pilgrimage. These places included Ballinspittle, Mount Mellary, Inchigeelagh, Knock and Grantstown. Noreen had great faith in Our Lord and Our Lady and she got the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament started in St Finbarr’s South in Douglas Street, Cork.

We went on several family holidays also to places such as Trabolgan. However, Mosney in Co Meath was a favourite. We went there in 1989, 1990, 1991 and 1994.

Noreen used to love travelling. She went to places of pilgrimage such as Medugorje, Fatima and went to Lourdes several times. She had also been to places such as Manchester (to see her sister Maureen who was living there at the time and to see the set of Coronation Street), London and to Wales to visit her brother Liam.

Noreen in her travels used to enjoy getting the train to Dublin to visit relations or to go to the shops and found the LUAS great for getting into Dublin City Centre. She also used to enjoy going to Killarney, Tubrid Well in Millstreet and Ballycotton.

Noreen and Finbarr celebrated their 25 Wedding Anniversary on the 7 February 1995 and renewed their wedding vows in the Lough Church where they had got married. They had a night in the Arcadia afterwards which was a great night. It was a night of dancing and song and Noreen gave us a lovely rendition of the song After the ball is over . Unfortunately, she was widowed at the young age of 57.

Noreen had polio as a child and it came back to her in her late thirties as Post Polio. However Noreen was always full of cheer and always had a smile on her face. She also had a disabled scooter for years which gave her great independence. She joined the Post Polio group and made several friends there. The Post Polio group have several different social events such as the dog track at Christmas and meetings in the Vienna Woods hotel every 2 months. Noreen used to love the dog track especially as it is a great fun event and there was music afterwards.

Noreen also used to participate in the Mini Marathon in Cork for several years and even went to the Limerick one a couple of times. The Marathon is a fun day and also helps to raise funds for local charities. Noreen used to do it for the Post Polio Group. Noreen even participated in the Mini Marathon in Cork in September 2009.

Noreen used to love going to the Divine Mercy Prayer Meeting in St Augustines Church every Monday night and also loved Mass and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

Unfortunately Noreen died on the 30 October 2009 but her legacy lives on. Noreen did a lot of good work and will be fondly remembered by her family and wide circle of friends.

Noreen was a great mother and our best friend.

Love you lots and miss you.

Your loving daughter Marilyn, loving son Finbarr, loving grandchildren Cormac and Aoife, loving sister Maureen, loving brother Liam, loving son-in-law Gordon.

Finbar Bruen, Noreen Bruen, Marilyn Axson and Betty Foley
Finbar Bruen, Noreen Bruen, Marilyn Axson and Betty Foley

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NEW HORIZONS – PLAN2015

New Horizons Plan 2015

The Group’s strategy plan PLAN2010 was published in 2007 and established the core parameters for the work of the Post Polio Support Group. These values, beliefs and principles are still at the core of the Group’s work and form its very foundation. However, times and needs change and after extensive consultation with members, and sister organisations and agencies it became apparent that we needed to focus more on the grass roots of the organisation – its members.

NEW HORIZONS – Plan2015 does not take the place of it’s predecessor, it builds upon it and reacts to it. It gives solutions to the concerns of members and will in its fulfilment place them firmly at the centre of the Group’s activities and policy making discussions. It is designed, in the fullness of time, to devolve certain functions, such as awareness, fund raising, social support to the groups that are established around the country. It will give these groups a level of autonomy and freedom, under the general guidance and watchful eye of the Board of Trustees and Directors.

NEW HORIZONS – Plan2015 poses challenges to the Group as a whole and it will involve much discussion at all levels. The result of its implementation will be a vibrant, strong Post Polio Support Group – a role model for others in the European Polio Union – but more importantly meeting the needs of all Polio Survivors in Ireland now and in the years to come.

Help Polio Survivors access the supports they require

From the Group Guiding Principles: Services and supports will continue to be provided, based on needs identified through consultation with members, fairly and within the financial capacity of the Group

Enable and empower members to take increased ownership of their situations and assume a greater role in running the Group

From the Group Guiding Principles: The Post Polio Support Group is member led and Polio Survivors are central to its work.

Continue to improve communication with Polio Survivors generally and with those who are members of the Group

From the Group Guiding Principles: Sensitivity, empathy and understanding are central to communication with Polio Survivors

Monitor the policy development and the administrative environment

From the Group Guiding Principles: The Group will advocate for Social Policy change to encompass the needs of Polio Survivors

Increase the knowledge base of the Group

Building linkages with other organizations

From the Group Guiding Principles: The Post Polio Support Group will cooperate and collaborate with other stakeholders, as appropriate

Manage finances to maintain or increase the ability of the Group to support Polio Survivors

Thanks are due to all Polio Survivors who contributed their thoughts and ideas to the process that has become NEW HORIZONS – Plan2015. The plan has grown from these inputs and is all the richer for that.

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FUND RAISING

I would like to be able to say that funds are rolling in, but while things are not too bad, it is an uphill struggle. I must thank, particularly on Anne and Evelyn’s behalf, all those who supported us in the marathons so far this year – don’t forget to return your sponsorship cards if you have not done so already. There is a list of supporters of the Dublin mini marathon below.

I also want to thank a couple who were having an anniversary party and asked guests to give a donation to the PPSG instead of presents – this is a great idea.

Thanks also to those who sent in collection boxes, which were at home or in their local chemists or shop – it all adds up!

You will also see in this edition information about a Con Quiz which is Edwin Bailey’s idea – please support it and give your friends copies as the more entries we get, the better.

I would also like to express the appreciatiohn of the Group to Dessie O’Toole Dublin Bus, Bray Area, and his colleagues for organising and taking part in a walk from Wicklow town to Bray for local charities on Sat. 22 May. PPSG is to be one of ten beneficiary charities. Dessie’s sister, Carmel Gibney, is a member of the Bray Group. Apologies to people I have neglected to mention, but all keep up the good work.

Hugh Hamilton

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DUBLIN MINI MARATHON 2010

Photo of 3 Generations of Mini Maratoners!We would like the following who greatly contributed to our funds through the Dublin Ladies Marathon:

Ruth Allen, Ann O’Kelly Guerin, Paul Coyne, Bridget Gaffney, Kieran O’Brien, Karen O’Leary, Joan Bradley, Marie Keenan, Mary Lynch, Margret Malone, Cathy Enright, Des Skelton, William Nugent, K. Lally, Margret Feely, Jacinta O’Neill, Anon., Goodwin Furlong, Killie Norton, Martin Brennan, Monica McGowan, Fiona Cox, Noreen & Fidelma Coakley, Brian Crummy, Ms Healy/Dillon, Marie Power


3 Generations of Mini-Marathoners!
Marie Healy and Pamela Dillon in front of backing them up, Carol, Carrie, Marie Jr., Edel, Bernie and Joann

We apologise if we have omitted names, and would encourage those who have not returned sponsorship cards, to do so as soon as possible.

Joan Bradley – minus Sombrero this year writes:

Last year it was hot, hot, this year cold, cold. The Dublin city marathon set off as a sodden mass of humanity. However, it moved quicker in the cool temperature. We want to thank, sincerely, all who supported it in these hard economic times. The office has already received some sponsorship and is looking forward to more. They say, ‘please do not send cash’. I heard our name being called out twice, although I did not meet any Survivors – they WERE there.

Photo of Two Proud Medal Winners
Two Proud Medal Winners!
Karen O'Leary and Shelley McDonald from Enniscorthy

There was a sprinkling of ladies with hairy legs, thick waists and wigs. I saw ladies with beautiful white runners trimmed with pink, with pink socks to match. Dear knows with what colour they ended the race. Two ambulances, a police car and a fire engine moved us out of the way, but we saw only one casualty, no PPSG tee shirt. To be honest I think the fire engine was in no hurry, maybe going home to tea. At the end everyone had only one thought - a quick hot shower!

Here’s to next year.

FUND RAISING – A THOUGHT

If you are celebrating an anniversary or other special occasion people are often at a loss for what to buy you – after all most of us have reached an age where we have most if not all we need for the house and ourselves. So why not suggest to family and friends if they are stuck for that special something a donation to the PPSG would never go amiss. All will be acknowledged and will be a benefit to a Polio Survivor somewhere. You never know it might even be you!

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A PHYSIOTHERAPIST REMEMBERS

By Marie O’Donohue, M.C.S.P.

Some time ago I heard someone on RTE TV say that all the doctors and physiotherapists who treated polio patients in the pre Salk vaccine day’s were now dead. Well, I am still very much here, and I thought I should share with you my experiences before I join the category referred to above.

In 1951, I was a newly qualified Physiotherapist working in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. In June of that year there was a serious outbreak of Polio all over the North of Ireland. All the patients were brought to the Fever Hospital called Purdysburn, about 5 miles outside Belfast.

They had no physios, so they asked the Royal for help – three of us agreed to go and were worked there from the June of ‘51 until the February of the following year. Remember this was pre Salk days so our only protection was a gown, mask and plenty of hand washing!

Hundreds of patients were admitted, many requiring treatment in an iron lung. These machines helped patients whose respiratory system was affected and initially they were in the iron lungs at all times. As they improved we stopped the lungs for a short time, a few times during the day, gradually increasing their time out, so weaning them off total dependency wherever possible.

These iron lung machines were donated to every hospital in the United Kingdom by the industrialist and philanthropist, Lord Nuffield. He was the man who made his money in the first place by designing and building Morris cars – remember the Morris Minor?

There was a large map of the province in the doctors’ residence, and a small flag was pinned on it marking where each patient came from. This was an effort to see if there was any connection between cases, but the patients came from all over the province and no connections were ever established. Sadly, there were some mortalities, but gradually most patients improved, and as they did we increased their activities.

Equipment was basic, and physiotherapy consisted of passive movements, stretching the non-affected muscles (to prevent contractions) and sensory stimulation of the paralysed muscles, and then gradually increasing the activity for the affected muscles by balance exercises and walking.

When the epidemic was over, and there no new admissions, we moved out of the hospital to a few wooden huts at the Back Gate. Here things were more relaxed and we had good fun with the children.

Rehabilitation was well organised; an orthopaedic team came once a fortnight from Musgrave Park Hospital. The team consisted of an orthopaedic surgeon, Mr. Wilson, and two orthopaedic nurses. One of the nurses, Miss Morris, was a marvellous woman – she was both an orthopaedic nurse and a Physiotherapist (later in her life she was given an OBE from the British Crown, in recognition of all her work over the years). We did muscle tests and between us agreed on the splints required and Miss Morris made them then and there on the premises.

In the months and years following the epidemic the same orthopaedic team from Musgrave Park Hospital travelled all over Northern Ireland to the major towns where the patients were brought in to be seen – this ensured continuity of care and treatment.

We were looked after very well by the Purdysburn staff and hospital. The food was good and much appreciated by someone living in digs as I did then. To get to work I and the other two physiotherapists took a country bus out from the city every day, and the bus driver would wait for us if we were late in arriving!

It is all a very very long time ago and despite everything I look back with fond memories, and wonder what happened to all those children we cared for, as well as wondering whether I am the last of that care team. Perhaps I will never know, but then again – perhaps you the reader will know otherwise.

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR

I want to thank you and the other members of the board for the wonderful time I had at the AGM at Limerick.

My reason for writing to you is that I have been wanting to go on a cruise/foreign holiday for a long time but it seems that wherever I look they only cater for two people on a sharing basis. As you may know I am a widow living alone and my children live abroad and have their own lives. So I have no one to go with.

I was just wondering if you could insert something in the next Survivor to see if there is anyone amongst our members who would like to go on a holiday with me. Even if there is more than one reply may be we could form a group.

I just wondered if you could help me in this regard. My e-mail address is santanaosburn@yahoo.ie

Thank you and with my best regards, I remain,

Sincerely yours
Sunny
(Sunny Osburn from the Cork Group)

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SOCIAL SUPPORT GROUP CONTACT DETAILS

Bray Group

Location: Bray
Area: South Dublin, North Wicklow
Contact: Maggie Gillespie and Nuala Harnett
Tel: 086-8582406
E-mail: maggie@tonygarrow.com
Meetings: Meets at 8pm on the first Tuesday of every month from March through October or November.

If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Maggie a call.

Carlow Group

Location: Seven Oaks Hotel, Carlow, Co. Carlow
Area: Co. Carlow
Contact: Anne Shanahan
Tel: 086-8832892
E-mail: anne.shanahan@ppsg.ie
Meetings: To be arranged

If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Ann a call.

Castleblayney Group

Location: Glencarn Hotel, Castleblayney
Area: Monaghan; Cavan; Louth.
Contact: Jim Murphy Tel: 042-9371266
Meetings: Meets four to five times yearly on Mondays at 3pm

If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Jim a call.

Clane Group

Location: Westgrove Hotel, Clane, Co Kildare
Area: Co. Kildare
Contact: Anne Shanahan
Tel: 086-8832892
E-mail: anne.shanahan@ppsg.ie
Meetings: To be arranged

If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Ann a call.

Clare Group

Location:
DPOC Ennis
Area: Clare
Convenor: Edwin Bailey
Tel/fax: 061-368373
E-mail: edwinbailey@eircom.net
Meetings: Meets four to five times yearly on Wednesdays at 8 pm

If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Edwin a call.

Cork Group

Location: Vienna Woods Hotel, Cork.
Area: Cork; Kerry.
Convenor: Evelyn Wainwright
Tel/fax: 021- 484 7313 or 086-882 9267
E-mail: evelyn99911@hotmail.com
Meetings: Meets four to five times yearly on Wednesdays at 8 pm

If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Evelyn a call.

Donegal Group

Location: Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny or The Villa Rose Hotel Ballybofey
Area: Donegal; Derry
Contact: Donal K. O’Boyle
Tel/fax 074-9103316
E-mail: donalkoboyle@eircom.net
Meetings: 2-3 times a year at 8pm

If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Donal a call.

Dublin All Hallows/Finglas

Group Location: All Hallows College, Drumcondra
Area: North Dublin
Contact: Eddie Roycroft
Tel/fax 087-2800010
Meetings: Last Wednesday of the month. Daytime

If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Eddie a call.

Dublin South/West Group

Location: Maldron Hotel, Tallaght (Formerly Tower Hotel)
Area: Dublin south and west.
Convenor: Frank Clancy
Tel: 087-9461129
E-mail: patwguy@gmail.com (Pat Guy)
Meetings: Meets four to five times yearly on Mondays or Tuesdays - alternating between afternoon and evening meetings.

If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Frank a call.

Dublin Swords Group

Location: Carnegie Court Hotel, Swords Area:
North Dublin Convenor: Joe McGee
Tel: 086-8137195
E-mail: mcgeeaj@gmail.com
Meetings: Monthly. Daytime

If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Joe a call.

Enniscorthy Group

Location: Riverside Hotel, Enniscorthy
Area: South Wicklow; Wexford; Waterford
Convenor: Povl Thim
Tel: 053-9421857 or 086-8107598
E-mail: povlthim@gmail.com
Meetings: Meets on the 1st Monday of most months at 8pm.

If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Povl a call.

Galway Group

Location: Menlo Park Hotel, Galway
Area: Galway - South, Mayo.
Convenor: Barbara McDonagh
Tel: 091-593664
E-mail: babamcdonagh@eircom.net
Meetings: Meets four to five times yearly on Wednesdays at 8 pm

If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Barbara a call.

Kerry Group

Location: Manor West Hotel, Tralee
Area: Kerry, West Limerick
Convenor: Dolly Lawlor
Tel: 066-718 5475 or 087-204 3795
Meetings: To be arranged

If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Dolly a call.

Kilkenny Group

Location: Days Hotel, Kilkenny
Area: Kilkenny, Waterford, South Tipperary
Convenor: Susan Dowling
Tel: 059-9726998
E-mail: dowlingsl@eircom.net
Meetings: 4-5 times a year on Mondays or Tusdays at 7.30 p.m.

If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Susan a call.

Limerick Group

Location: Strand Hotel, Limerick
Area: Limerick; East Clare; Nth. Tipperary.
Convenor: Marie Boland
Tel: 061-417928 or 086-2282000
Meetings: Meets four to five times yearly on Mondays at 7.30pm

If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Marie a call.

Mayo Group

Location: The Courthouse Hotel
Area: Ballina; Belmullet; Westport & N. Roscommon
Convenor: Hugh Conlon
Tel: 086-8036145 (preferred) or 091-751750
E-mail: hcon@eircom.net
Meetings: Meets twice yearly on Wednesdays at 8pm

If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Hugh a call.

Midland (Athlone) Group

Location: Cregan Court Hotel, Athlone
Area: Westmeath; Roscommon; E. Galway
Convenor: James Kinahan
Tel: 0906 481372 or 087-6768076
E-mail: jtkinanah@gmail.com
Meetings: Meets twice yearly at 8pm

If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Jimmy a call.

Navan Group

Location: Ardboyne Hotel, Navan, Co Meath
Area: Meath; Louth
Convenor: Joan Gargan
Tel: 046-9432956 or 086-3753024
E-mail: joangargan@eircom.net
Meetings: 2nd Monday of every 2nd month at 7.30 p.m.

If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Joan a call.

Portlaoise Group

Location: Heritage Hotel, Portlaoise.
Area: Offaly; Laoise; Nth. Kilkenny.
Contact: Bernie O’Sullivan
Tel: 057-9343760 or 086-0647227
Convenor: Paddy Fitzpatrick
E-mail: paddyfitz3@eircom.net (Paddy Fitzpatrick)
Meetings: 4-6 times a year

If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Bernie a call.

Sligo Group

Location: City Hotel, Sligo
Area: Sligo; South Donegal; North Leitrim
Convenor: Brian Crummy Tel: 071-9160404
Meetings: To be arranged

If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Brian a call.

THOSE SHOES ARE MADE FOR WALKING

If you have customised shoes that are in reasonable condition, why not have them repaired? You may like to get the repairs done by the original shoemaker or by someone else. If you need some assistance with this why not contact Lillian at 01 8898920?

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LIMERICK CONFERENCE 2010

Marie Boland, Organising Committee Chair makes presentation to Dr. Frand Nollet of the University of Amsterdam
Marie Boland, Organising Committee Chair makes presentation to Dr. Frans Nollet of the University of Amsterdam.

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LIMERICK PHOTO COMPETITION

Splash by Teresa Burke
1st Prize: Splash by Teresa Burke

Summerset Over Salford Priors Church
2nd Prize: Summerset Over Salford Priors Church by Dave Brady

Double Vision
3rd Prize: Double Vision by Ted Tanner

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TRIP TO NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS OF IRELAND

John and Sandra look for prize specimens The Dublin South West Group had a summer outing on July 1st to the NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS of IRELAND, Glasnevin, Dublin. We all met in the visitor centre which combines a lecture hall, restaurant and display area with exhibits relating to the history and purpose of the gardens. This facility is fully accessible and has a limited number of wheel chairs available for use by the general public if required.

We had pre booked a tour of the gardens and our guide took us to the newly renovated Glasshouses which are fully wheel chair accessible. Prior to heading out to the gardens there was a short film introducing the Botanic Gardens which outlined the history and facilities of the gardens. The Gardens were founded in 1795 and now house a library, research centre and a horticultural college as well as the gardens and rest facilities.

We saw may beautiful plants both indoors and outdoors and finished off the visit with a lovely lunch in the Courtyard Restaurant at the Gardens. We were lucky with the weather as the sun shone for the duration of our stay.

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"The SURVIVOR" is supported by:

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