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The Survivor Newsletter: Summer 2004

Chairperson’s update ...

Unfortunately, due to a respiratory illness, for the first time, I was unable to attend the AGM in Portlaoise in May. I wish to thank Hugh Hamilton for stepping in at the last minute and doing an excellent job in my place, also our other Board Members, our Administrator and our Regional Reps who performed with their usual efficiency. I wish to welcome John McFarlane, who was elected to our Board. His expertise in the field of disability will be of great assistance to our work.

Our comprehensive Survey Polio—The Late Effects Reality was launched in April (see page 1). Over the last few months, our Governance Committee has been reviewing the structure and work of our Group. Hugh Conlon, Philo and Anne, who constitute this committee, and who are due our thanks for their work, made a number of recommendations to the Board. These required changes to the Articles of Association of our Group, which were passed at our AGM in May. Over the last few years, the membership and work of our Group has greatly increased, and it became necessary for us to undertake this review so that we are in a better position to promote the ongoing work of our Group over the coming years.

Hugh Hamilton, our Fundraising Committee Chairman, is stepping down from that position shortly, and we are most grateful to him and his committee for their tireless work in setting up our fundraising and making it so successful over the last few years. Hugh, along with Paula, is taking over a new role on our Nominations Committee, which will be seeking out new people to participate on our Board, on our Committees and as Regional Reps where necessary.

We are also extremely interested in getting members involved in supporting the work of arranging local support meetings. This is one of the needs of our members that is most evident in the survey results. There are already new local groups up and running in Bray, Galway and Limerick and, in order to support these groups and develop new ones, a Social & Support Committee has been formed by the Board. If anyone is willing to get involved in helping arrange and run these groups, (and I can assure you that the work involved is minimal, with all of the administration and support being undertaken by the Committee and the Office), we would be delighted if they would please contact either Hugh or Paula. We are also very keen to involve families and friends in the work of the Group, and we see this as an ideal opportunity to start this process.

Till the next time, keep well.

Jim.

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Carmichael Centre Crisis Deepens as Redundancy Notice is served …

The Post Polio Support Group has received notice that the Carmichael Centre in which our Head Office is based, is being forced to close by 09 July 2004 as the Centre has run out of money. Post Polio Support Group cannot afford to move out of Carmichael Centre, as we would not have access to affordable office space, administration services, training programmes, meeting rooms and conference facilities, IT support, information, advice and a host of other supports and services and the impact on the service which we supply to Polio Survivors will be catastrophic.

For a number of years, the Carmichael Centre has been actively seeking an ongoing Government contribution to its Core Funding. In previous years, the Centre has managed to secure substantial philanthropic funding on the basis that the Centre would secure government core funding, of which the Centre had a legitimate expectation. A sum of €150,000 from the Department of Health and Children and €150,000 from the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, would enable it to continue its vital, enabling service provision to its 45 resident member groups and the other hundreds of Community and Voluntary groups who regularly access its services and who, in turn, provide services to over 10% of the Irish population.

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, in opening the refurbished Carmichael House on 17 May 2004, said: “With such support in place, voluntary groups can concentrate their energies on what they do best – serving people” and “I would like to wish the Carmichael Centre well in its refurbished home. I am confident that you will continue to provide a valuable resource for the sector well into the future”.

Jim - Chairperson

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From the Editor …

Hello again everyone. It is midsummer night, and as I write this at 11.30 pm. it is still bright. There is so much to go into the newsletter this time, that even as fast as I write, more things are happening. Thank you to all who lobbied the members of the Joint Committee on Health and Children. My local politician said that he had got 10 letters - and he certainly knew about the presentation. Of course he promised to support us in every way! We will keep you informed.

The mini-marathon was a great success (see page ), well done to all those ladies (and I believe a few had very hairy legs and very stubbly chins!) who took part for the Post Polio Support Group and also to Anne Burns and the Fundraising Committee who did all the work behind the scenes. We will have photos for the next issue. One of the things that came up in our recent workshop to develop a three year strategy for the Post Polio Support Group was to develop the Newsletter to contain additional relevant information for members, e.g. re entitlements and decisions made by the Board of Directors. Also, increased input from members was to be encouraged by ensuring two-way communication!

So, I am endeavouring to put this in motion, and we have a new name and new layout, with more colour pages, more photos and more information for you. Comments and suggestions please. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this issue, I really appreciate your input.

In order to spread the work load, a number of committees have been set up to assist the Board. And responding to a need which was evident in the Survey, Hugh Hamilton and myself are heading up a Social Support Committee, to coordinate social events, regional meetings and respite weekends around the country. We are looking for members and/or their families who would like to assist the regional reps in this work. We are delighted to hear that local Social Groups are being set up around the country, with groups in Bray, Stilloran, Galway, Limerick, and shortly in Cork and Donegal. If you would like to be involved, just phone head office. So now, having said all that, put on the kettle, sit back and enjoy the newsletter!

PAULA LAHIFF

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Letters to the Editor …

“I would like to add my services as an IT tutor to any member in the Munster area (no fee). I watched a programme on TV about Polio Survivors and did a search on the web to see how many were in Ireland. I’m sorry to say this was an area of disability I was not aware of. I realised that it must be hard for your members to get out and about and that maybe some would be interested in learning computer skills. I could be of help here travelling to them would not be a problem as long as we’re not talking a hundred miles (I’ve no sense of direction!)”

Shirley Murphy:
Tel: 086 1916719 email: shirl@eircom.net

“Received Spring Edition of the Newsletter—the information you provide is so beneficial. Having read the letter regarding “ColdFoot/Leg Cure” I immediately went to my chemist and purchased the Magnetic Therapy Plasters (E7.80 in kenmare). Like Nuala Hartnett I too have suffered “ColdFoot/Leg” for as long as I can remember and since I commenced using these plasters I’ve had wonderful relief. I put one on the inside of my ankle and one on my arm, where I have a constant pain, and for the past two weeks I have no cold leg or any pain in my arm. These are wonderful. Say thanks to Nuala”

Siobhan Tangney, Kenmare.

“The following is a “tip” when applying for a Disabled Person’s House Grant. Among the documents which must be submitted before your application can be considered, is a confidential medical report by your GP. One of the questions which the doctor answers is to tick if the applicant is mildly, moderately or severely handicapped. At least with some Co. Councils, if the GP does not tick the ‘severely handicapped’ box you are not considered for the grant. I was told I was not listed for a grant because of this. This appears to be a way out for the Co. Councils, and maybe useful for the applicant and the GP to know. I found this out after waiting a long time (over a year) for an engineer to visit me regarding my house alterations. I’m also told you have to follow up with your own enquiries as such decisions will not be sent to the applicant.”

Post Polio Support Group Member
(Name and Address with the Editor)

(Letters to the Editor can be emailed to newsletter@ppsg.ie or posted to Post Polio Support Group, Carmichael Centre, North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7)

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Impact of Post Polio Syndrome on a Polio Partner …

By: Dave Van Aken. (Dave is a member of the Central Virginia Post Polio Support Group. His article was in their Polio Deja View Newsletter, August-September 2003)

(Reprinted with kind permission of PolioHAPPENINGS - Auckland Post Polio Support Group incorporated NEWSLETTER Issue 30—Feb 2004)

I am not an expert. I am a husband and spouse. I am a Polio Partner, not a caregiver. There is a difference. A Partner is anyone who works to better someone’s PPS situation. They can be a spouse, a brother/sister, a child or a friend … and I am a survivor. If necessary, I will adapt every day to our changing situation. When PPS came into our lives, we Partners faced a choice - fight or flight. We chose to stay and fight. But what are we fighting for? I am fighting to maintain my wife’s qualify of life, as well as our collective quality of life. My guess is we are each trying to accomplish the same thing.

The one thing I have found that is true about PPS is each survivor is different. As each survivor is different, then each of our situations is different. We do, however, face one common theme - coping with PPS involves a series of compromises. We must remain flexible and tolerant, as we adjust to our Partner’s ever-changing condition.

Financial Impact: It simply costs more to be disabled. Your family may have a loss in income. You may become the primary income producer for the family. Adaptive devices become necessary or are required: braces, scooters, or power chairs. Modifications to your home could include ramps, grab bars, higher toilets, or even a new home. All create extra expense.

Travelling requires more forethought and planning. Depending on your situation, the impromptu “escape” trips may be a thing of the past. We trade in our sports cars for minivans to accommodate scooters or electric chairs. Public transportation offers even more challenges. Trains and plane service have advanced in dealing with the handicapped, but often have a way to go to become trouble- free.

Physical Impact: We have all hear “Conserve to Preserve”. Most Polio Survivors have had this preached to them repeatedly. We need to pay attention to this as well. We try to have our partners conserve their muscles and adapt to new methods and devices. We should listen to our own advice and use technology, children, or friends to help share our increased load. We are aging as well and our own aches and pains will affect our ability to provide care for our partners.

Emotional Impact: Early on, when we are naïve or unknowledgeable, our expectations can be unrealistic. “If you do all of this, then you’ll get better”. “When you get better, we'll do this and that”. We (some older Partners in one of our discussions) scared the “hell” out of a new Partner. As she admitted later, she expected her husband to beat this and they would carry on with the plans they had envisioned for themselves.

Anger, depression, anxiety. Our Partners thought they beat polio over 30 years ago, and now it has come back to haunt them. Their bodies are giving out, betraying them, and losing functionality. They lose “face” as they succumb to the adaptive devices in an effort to save what is left. Is it any wonder they get angry at the world and we sometimes bear the brunt of it?

We hurt as we watch out Spouse’s suffer both emotionally and physically. At times, they lose their sense of self. As a culture, what we do for a living or where we volunteer often defines us. As our Spouses curtail this type activity, there is a sense of loss. This can trigger a sense of depression, which we, as Partners, try to cope with and ease our Partner out of it.

We grieve over our futures. We - as couples or as individuals - had dreams and desires. While they do not have to be abandoned, they must be re-evaluated.

As we grow older and more experienced with PPS, continual adjustments have become the norm. We must accept each situational change and move forward.

Fatigue periods can become common. These can add more anxiety, anger or depression for our “Type A” spouses. Polio fatigue crashes are real. Linda “crashed” in October of last year. For seven weeks, she was flat on her back. I adjusted. I did the housework, the laundry, and the cooking. Before October, my repartee in the kitchen was scrambled eggs or waffles, but I provided Linda with hours of entertainment as she directed my efforts in the kitchen. We didn’t starve, and weren’t poisoned, so I guess we did OK. (Guys - spend some time in the kitchen before you have to. It’s a survival skill!)

The hardest part I find in being a Partner is watching the sometimes rapid decline of one of our Polio friends. We all know it may come. We hope and pray it won’t. So, we nag and cajole our Partners and friends into behaving and conserving their abilities. A Partner friend confided that their biggest fear was becoming a burden on the Partner. Our fears are much the same.

Friends and Family: Unfortunately, family and friends often judge our Partners by their appearance. What does fatigue and muscle weakness look like? Part, if not most, of the problem is that they look so normal. There is no disfigurement. They may have a slight limp, which has become more pronounced now, and they should always use their canes or crutches. Friends can’t understand why they can’t do this activity or that. They see them on their scooters or using their canes to do the activities they choose. Why can’t they do it all just like they used to?

Friends and family do not understand that the Survivor must make choices each and every day about the most mundane things. My wife has a system she calls “energy presents”. Every activity uses some energy presents. She has about 10 presents each day. So she monitors what she does, and tries not to exceed her 10 presents per day. But sometimes she does, and she must take extra rest. And if she really blows it out, we both may enjoy the short term, but both of us will suffer the consequences.

What can we as Partners do?

Communicate, communicate and communicate! You and your Partner must communicate on your fears, your concerns, and your plans on how to move forward. Sometimes these discussions can become heated - I prefer to think of them as passionate discussions (I think every relationship needs passion). The more emotional and honest, the better the understanding between both of you.

Educate yourself: Knowledge is power. Find out as much as you can about Polio and PPS. Apply what you learn to your situation. Educate your family and friends. You need the help, and your partner needs the support. If your family and friends don’t get it, you have a choice - either continue to educate or drop off (another loss). It’s your energy you are using, thus your choice.

Take care of yourself: Take charge of your life; do not let your Partner’s disability or illness always take centre stage. Be good to yourself, you deserve it. You are doing a very hard job. When people offer to help, let them. The task may not be done “the way you would”, but it will be done. Grieve for your losses, and then begin dreaming new dreams. Trust your instincts. They will be right most of the time.

Seek support from other Partners: There is strength in knowing you are not alone. Many of the survivors belong to a PPS support group. Do you, as a Partner, attend these meetings? Do other Partners attend? Grab some of the other Partners and go get some coffee, while the PPSers meet. Encourage your support group to give you an opportunity to meet separately. Often a general discussion is all the agenda needed. Central Virginia PPS group discovered this at our annual retreat about 4 years ago. We had a Partners forum where we openly discussed our concerns, fear, and things that worked. We invited a minister to come and facilitate our first meeting. Since that meeting, I have been facilitating meetings for Partners about 2 times each year. Our discussions are usually about what is going on in our lives at that moment, and we share what works for us and what doesn’t.

There are some online support groups, but mostly they deal with PPS. There are some Care giving web pages, which provide some good information, but not strictly on PPS. I don’t have a lot of experience with these, because like most of us, we Partners don’t have a lot of free time anyway.

As I said in the beginning, I am not an expert. If you have questions abut a Partner’s session, I would be happy to help. If you have specific questions about Partnering, I would be glad to help. I have some special Partner friends who have more experience that I do, so maybe we can provide an answer. I can be reached at DvanAken@aol.com, but be certain to mention PPS in the subject title, or I might not open your message.

(I really could empathise with this article, and wonder if our Polio Partners in the Post Polio Support Group agree or disagree with what Dave has to say. Let me know! Editor)

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Fund Raising News …

The Flora Women’s Mini Marathon, one of our main fundraising events for the year, and which was a great success took place on 7 June. While Catriona McKiernan was the winning athlete on the day in completing the Marathon in under 34 minutes, all who took part were heroes for their designated charities. The fun and good-humoured atmosphere produced by the over 40,000 participants was a wonderful sight, which was rewarded with glorious sunny weather on the day.

Around 80 ladies (well up on last year), took part in the Mini Marathon for the Post Polio Support Group, many of whom met up afterwards at Neary’s for refreshments and were greeted and thanked by Jim Costello, who looked great sporting a “Tour de France” cap, along with Hugh Hamilton and Tansy, the canine mascot.

I would like to thank, on behalf of the Fundraising Committee, all who took part in the Marathon or who secured sponsorship or made a donation to the Post Polio Support Group for the event. A gentle reminder, please, to send sponsorship monies and sponsorship cards or donations to the Carmichael Centre, or phone me at 01 4534150 for details. Thank you if you have already sent us sponsorship monies or donations.

Congratulations to you all for making this a most successful and enjoyable fundraising event for the Post Polio Support Group.

The Post Polio Support Group will again be involved in this year’s Cork Ladies’ Mini Marathon, which is a 5 mile race run by the Cork “Evening Echo” through the streets of Cork City, on 19 September at 2.00pm. The closing date for receipt of entries is 7 September. Please encourage family members and friends in the Cork area and environs to take part in this year’s Marathon for the Post Polio Support Group. Free T-shirts and sponsorship cards will be available to participants. More details can be had from Maureen O’Sullivan at 021 4372017, fax 021 4376032 or myself at 01 4534150 or email: info@ppsg.ie

PDFORRA (the representative association for the Irish Army, Navy and Air Corp), who adopted the Post Polio Support Group as their charity for 2004, intend to run a raffle with us in September. Cards expected to comprise 20 lines at €2 per line will be available with prizes likely to include weekend breaks. Please contact me for cards at 01 4534150 or email: info@ppsg.ie if you feel you will be in a position to sell lines to family members , friends or at work.

Again, we will be selling Christmas cards this year with several new designs. More details will be available in the next Newsletter. ANNE BURNS

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Book Reviews …

“a spring in my step” by Joan Mc Donnell
Published by Collins Press.
ISBN: 1-903464-60-9

In this spirited, humorous story, we follow Joan’s adventures with the fears and frustrations of her ‘handicap’. Stricken with polio as a child, she heads to Dublin hoping for a miracle. After three years of numerous operations, she returns home to Limerick, changed. She walks with callipers and her absence from home creates problems—Joan is a stranger there. She must learn to fit in. As she sits by the River Shannon watching other children play, she fears the challenge … But with a theory about miracles and a penchant for breaking the rules, each disaster is a prologue to her next adventure.

(Congratulations to Joan on the publication of this very enjoyable book. I believe it is to go out shortly on the Book on One—Editor)

“ Post Polio Syndrome - a guide for Polio Survivors and their families” by Julie K. Silver M.D., with Foreward by Lauro S. Halseead, M.D.
Published by Yale University Press.
ISBN: 0-300-08807-8

Dr. Silver is an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School, director of The International Rehabilitation Centre for Polio in Framingham, Massachusetts (visit their website at www.polioclinic.com) and a physiatrist with the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital.

This is a well-written, easy-to understand book which begins by defining and describing post polio syndrome and then discusses finding good medical care, relieving pain, improving strength, sustaining mobility, preventing osteoporosis and falls, and maintaining proper nutrition and weight. Dr. Silver reviews the latest in braces, shoes, assistive devices and wheelchairs and scooters. She also explores issues involving surgery, complementary and alternative medicine, safe and comfortable living environments, insurance and disability, and sex and intimacy.

(This book should be on every polio survivor’s list - Editor)

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BITS AND PIECES ...

Let us know about your holidays …

Summertime is here and we will be on holidays for the next few months. One thing you might consider is seeing some of the sites right around where you live. You might even write about them from a polio survivor point of view. Send them to us and we will put them in the next newsletter! (Thanks to Carolyn and Steve from Polio Post News for this good idea— Editor)

And speaking of Holidays …

Jackie Minnock tells us that there is a new logo which has been introduced by the French Tourist Authorities. “Tourisme et Handicap—for tourists who are disabled, it is a guarantee” It guarantees that the accommodation/site/restaurant is totally suitable for four categories of disabilities. The four pictograms indicate that the accommodation/site/ restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible and/or suitable for those with learning, hearing or visual disabilities.”

An interesting Website …

The March of Dimes (USA) has created a website honouring people touched by polio - survivors, polio pioneers, polio emergency volunteers. A key feature of the site is an interactive timeline presenting text, images and video describing the fight against polio in the early to mid 20th century. The timeline also traces March of Dimes history up to the present day - including the conference it co-sponsored in 2000 on post-polio diagnosis and treatment. Visitors to the site also can post personal stories and statements on any one of six historical bulletin boards related to polio.

The website is: www.marchofdimes.com/polio

What about some Counselling? ...

One of our members, Alison Hunter, is a trained General Counsellor/Psychotherapist, and is willing to offer free sessions (in person or over the phone) to Post Polio Support Group members. Her details are: Alison Hunter, ‘Amethyst’, Ballbroghan, Killaloe, Co Clare. Tel: 061 376331.

Please remember the Post Polio Support Group in your Will, or request donations to Post Polio Support Group in lieu of funeral flowers …

All bequests will be put to very good use.

THANK YOU.

Around the Regions …

Post Polio Social Groups:

Thanks to good work of our members ,and with the help of Anthony, there are now Post Polio Social Groups set up in Bray, Stillorgan, Galway, Limerick and soon there will be groups in Cork and Donegal. Contact head office to find out the contact details of the group coordinator in your area and when and where they meet: The following is an extract from the report of the Bray Group from Belinda Redmond, just to give you a flavour of it:

“Although we do not want to become too formal, the group does need to be able to expand its aims. At the moment, it is there for anyone who feels they are not being heard or understood. It is of great benefit to be able to sit down and compare notes on our ailments. We have a great laugh sorting out what we can attribute to Post Polio Syndrome, and what we cannot. We discussed if indigestion was attributable. We decided, not! Another member complained of a pain in the neck, but we all decided that we all were from time to time.

We did wonder about the talent lying idle out there amongst other members though, and if they would like to put it to good use. Is there anyone, for instance, who would like to exercise his or her talent in the way of a craft workshop? Equally, is anyone interested in starting a reading book club? Are you a budding poet? Would you like an opportunity to read it out to us? Does anyone like painting? These were some of the suggestions for workshops, (that we would organise) made amongst us.

We also spoke about the people who may not be physically well enough to visit us in Bray. Would you like a home visit? Now, I don't mean all or us at once. Just a few. We would like to reach, as many people as possible, so that they may feel included and informed about what is happening within the group”.

Time Out For Yourself Weekend, Drumshanbo:

This weekend at the Lough Allen Hotel and Spa in Drumshanbo was a very successful event with 20 members taking part from Galway, Roscommon, Mayo, Sligo and Donegal, and we are very grateful to the WHB and the NWHB for their funding towards the costs. The hotel was very accessible with a bank of disabled parking bays outside and it had 4 wheel-chair accessible rooms On the Friday evening we had a talk and a chat with community OT, Clara Meehan, and on Saturday, participants took part in an art class, where we all came away with a picture (thanks to our member Rob Steinke), and a class in self-expression with Psychotherapist Anne O’Connell, where we worked with clay (with out eyes closed!) and then spoke about how we felt about it and what it represented to us. We had a very enjoyable dinner and a great sing-song on the Saturday night (such talent!), and on Sunday we had a meditation and finished with a session on creative writing. For information on how to set up a respite week-end, contact Paula Lahiff or Barbara McDonagh - (see photos on page 12).

CRC Opening in Limerick:

The new Central Remedial Clinic will have an Open Morning on Tuesday 29th June, from 9.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon. All members in Mid-West area are encouraged to visit.

Southern Region meeting

Saturday 18th September 2004
St. Dominic’s Conference Centre, Cork.

10.30 a.m: Morning Coffee
11.00 a.m: Opportunity to discuss home living needs with an Occupational Therapist.
1.00 p.m: LUNCH
2.15 p.m: Workshop—”The Wellness Journey - coping with daily living” with Jean Kavanagh, Stress Management Tutor / Employee Welfare Officer
6.00 p.m: BUFFET MEAL followed by SOCIAL EVENING and discussion on Post Polio Support Group matters.

COME FOR THE DAY OR PART OF IT

Cost for day

Cork/Kerry members
€15 (subsidised by SHB)
Others welcome—€ 30.

Bed and Breakfast available at Centre

€30 per person

BOOKING

Maureen O’Sullivan at 021 4372017 (before 3rd September)

ADMINISTRATOR – Anthony Carrick
OFFICE ASSISTANT – Victor Purcell

HEAD OFFICE
Tel/Fax 01 873 0338
E-mail: info@ppsg.ie
Website: http://www.ppsg.ie

BOARD MEMBERS

Jim Costello: (Chairperson)
Tel/Fax: 01 668 6986 (H)
Tel/Fax: 01 620 6154 (Hosp)
Email: jjcos@indigo.ie

Joan Bradley: (Secretary)
Tel/Fax: 01 454 9237
Mobile: 087 7637598
Email: secretary@ppsg.ie

Mary McEvoy: (Treasurer)
Tel/Fax: 0502 27204
Mobile: 087 240 1591
Email: treasurer@ppsg.ie

Paula Lahiff: (Newsletter Editor)
Tel/Fax: 071 64791
Mobile: 086 322 4402
Email: newsletter@ppsg.ie

Hugh Hamilton (Fund Raising Coordinator)
Tel: 01 289 4800 Fax: 01 289 2394
Mobile: 087 255 3012

Frank Jones
Tel: 01 820 0320
Mobile: 087 240 1591 or 087 9385537

Hugh Conlon
Tel: 091 751 750 (H)
Mobile: 086 803 6145
Email: hcon@eircom.net

Phillo Mullaney
Tel: 01 832 1629
Mobile: 087 907 4758

Anne Burns (ex oficio)
Tel: 01 453 4150
Email: anne.burns@agriculture.gov.ie

REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES

Midland Health Board Region:
Patrick Fitzpatrick
Tel/Fax: 0505 46738
Email: paddyfitz@eircom.net

Mid Western Health Board Region:
Noreen Mullane:
TelFax: 061 302830

Southern Health Board Region:
Maureen O’Sullivan:
Tel: 021 4372 017
Fax: 021 4376 032

South Eastern Health Board Region:
Ann O’Kelly Guerin
Tel: 053 32633

Western Health Board Region:
Barbara McDonagh
Tel/Fax: 091 593 664
Email: babamcdonagh@eircom.net

North Western Health Board Region:
Paula Lahiff
Tel/Fax: 071 64791
Email: newsletter@ppsg.ie

North Eastern Health Board Region:
Jackie Minnock
Tel/Fax: : 042 937 7037
Email: jackiem@gofree.indigo.ie

South Western Area Health Board, & Northern Area Health Board
Joan Bradley
Tel/Fax: 01 454 9237
Email: secretary@ppsg.ie

East Coast Area Health Board
Monica Cantwell
Tel: 01 497 1274

Membership of the Post Polio Support Group is only €10 per year. If you would like more information about the group please contact Head Office at the phone number above.