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The Survivor Newsletter: Winter 2002

A few words from the Editor ...Image of Chirstmas Card

Dear Friends - Christmas is nearly upon us and here I am again, trying to assemble our last newsletter of the year. As usual, it is very busy in Head Office - the Christmas Cards which have been ordered from you all have been posted out (many thanks for the great response). Anthony, our new Administrator, has been getting to grips with the workload (see his article on page 3), and we are planning our AGM for 2003 and also having discussions as to how we can best celebrate our 10 year Anniversary! I hope you find this newsletter interesting. We are privileged to have an article by Ms. Dorothea Dowling, Chairperson MIAB on important information for people with disabilities contained in the report from the Motor Insurance Advisory Board (see page 4), and there is also an interesting article on Information about the Late Effects of Polio (see page 5). News round up on pages 7 and 8 brings up-to-date news from around the regions, about the Survey, and hints and tips for making life easier for us all! So, put your feet up and have a good read, and if you have any comments, suggestions or articles, please let me know, and I will be delighted to include them in the next newsletter. Hugh Hamilton, our Fund-Raising Chairman has asked me to remind you that there are only 6 months left to the Women’s Mini Marathon at the June Bank Holiday week-end 2003. Now is the time to ask your friends and colleagues to run or walk for the Post Polio Support Group—before anyone else asks them!

Thank you again for buying the Christmas Cards, this was a good fund-raising effort.

Have a lovely Christmas from Paula - Editor

Chairperson’s update ...

Another year has almost passed and our Group's work continues. Anthony Carrick has now taken over as full time Administrator at Head Office. We welcome him and look forward to supporting him in advancing the work of our Group throughout the country. Victor is still with us and will be assisting Anthony. Aisling has now left after a short overlap. We are grateful for her work on our behalf and we wish her well in the future.

Our survey project is proceeding satisfactorily. Over 100 clients have been completed and hopefully, the remaining clients will be surveyed before Christmas. There is then the detailed work of data input, analyses and reports. Our aim is to have this project completed by our AGM next year. The funding of this project is of major importance to our Group and any assistance
members can give to Hugh in this regard would be appreciated.

Our new information booklet on the "Late Effects of Polio" for General Practitioners, and others in the medical profession is being circulated to all the medical libraries throughout the country. Our thanks are due to the Queensland Health Authority for their permission to reprint and distribute this excellent publication in Ireland.

We are pleased to welcome Phillo Mullaney and Anne Burns to the Board of our Group. Phillo is the daughter of Joan Carr, a physiotherapist and Polio survivor member, whom many of our members will know. Phillo and Anne have been working supporting Hugh on our fundraising committee for some time and we look forward to their contribution to the Board. - Jim.

News from the Office ...

Hello Friends,

I thought it was about time to introduce myself and let you know a bit about myself, as I’ve been in the Administrator job for over a month now.

My name is Anthony Carrick and I was born and bred in Dublin. However, I left in 1986 to work in England, initially in a small place called Denham on the west of London and then in 1990 I moved to Oxford to work for Oxford University Press (OUP).

My job with OUP was working as a Project Manager and then, later, as a Project Director, managing projects of all sizes and complexities, usually computer systems-related but not always.

This work took me to many different countries. For example, I lived for a year in Mexico City, about six months in each of Buenos Aires, Istanbul, Madrid and Cary, North Carolina, with shorter stays in India, Chile, Colombia and New York. I think that’s the lot! In between times I was based in Oxford, which is a very beautiful city and well worth a visit.

As examples of the different types of projects, I built a warehouse in Mexico City, (even though I was supposed to be installing computer systems only) and moved about 4,000,000 books, counting them all, not one by one, though it felt like that.

In Istanbul and Buenos Aires, I was helping set up new OUP companies and was dealing with local suppliers to install systems and software.

I came back to Ireland in May 2002 because it was time to do so. I’d been away for 16 years, moving around a lot and enough was enough. And, anyway, Ireland was in the World Cup and there was always a chance I could get called up into the squad, even though I’m only 47 (though my knees are about 80)!

I started with the Post Polio Support Group in mid-October, had a couple of weeks of handover with Aisling and now it’s just me, ably assisted by Victor Purcell, our CE funded Office Assistant.

At the moment my desk is covered in a sea of paper, as I try to get to grips with the day-to-day processes as well as the ongoing stuff, like dealing with the Health Boards and other funding agencies.

However, I think I’m slowly getting to grips with it all. There are quite a few things I want to do a bit differently but, for the moment, I’m writing down my ideas, rather than making sweeping changes!

As the organisation expands the office needs to work as efficiently as possible. However, I hope that our members can contribute also to enable the organisation to provide a professional service to our members. To that end, I would welcome any and all offers of help, whatever your skills and I know that they are many and varied. One of the thoughts I had for the future was to create a directory of members’ skills that you would be prepared to offer but, in the meantime, I’m open to offers.

Please don’t forget that the office exists to help you all and you are always welcome to phone or to call in

Anthony

We hope to have a photo of Anthony for the next newsletter, so you will recognise him at the AGM! - Editor.

Fund-Raising News ...

Christmas Cards:

Our Christmas Cards have been selling very well, and many thanks to all who have bought them. Thanks also to those who did Trojan work in selling the cards at several shopping centres over the past couple of weeks. There are still some cards left, so if you are one of those who have left it to the last minute, just contact Victor at the office and he will send them out to you. Could I also remind members who have sold cards, to please send the money to Head office as soon as possible. Thank you.

Women’s mini Marathon - June 2003

This is a first reminder about the Women’s Mini Marathon, which takes place on the June Bank Holiday week-end. Remember 2002 was our first effort at the Women’s Mini marathon, and we had 40 participants (running, walking and in wheelchairs) who have already raised an average of 200 euro each. We are asking our members - please please … all who participated this year, do so again for the Post Polio Support Group next year. And - most important - please ask your friends to do the same and spread the news as far as possible - do it early, before they agree to participate for someone else. We would like to double our participation next year and with your help, I am sure we will.

Hugh Hamilton - Fund Raising Chairman

Thought for the Day:

“Taking a new step, uttering a new word, is what people fear most”

Fyodor Dostoyevski

Important information for people with disabilities contained in the Report from the Motor Insurance Advisory Board

Of the 67 Recommendations in the 750 page report from the Motor Insurance Advisory Board, published on 17th April 2002, there are several of general interest to readers of this newsletter. Of specific relevance, however, is the content of Recommendation 11, which reads:

That insurers undertake to desist from applying policy terms, limitations or loadings that may be encountered by policyholders with disability issues relating to drivers or passengers unless there is evidence of additional risk.

Unlike many of the recommendations which require further time for legislative or structural changes to the insurance system, this recommendation has actually been introduced with effect from 1st august 2002.

So how did this recommendation come about and what does it mean for those managing disabilities?

Public submissions to the MIAB reported the experience that the mere mention of a disability seemed to result in a loading on the premium or a restriction of cover or both. This was considered particularly harsh, given all the other challenges faced by such policyholders. Essentially, implementation of the recommendation means that a quotation for motor insurance should be based on the usual criteria—such as age, gender, driving history and vehicle details—but the declaration of a disability should only be assessed as an additional risk if, in fact, such a risk exists.

It must, however, be stressed that this does not relieve the policyholder of the responsibility to make full disclosure of any facts which may be relevant to the underwriter. This long standing law can have serious consequences for policyholders because, while non-disclosure may secure a short term premium saving, the person may find themselves without valid insurance in the event of an accident or claim. The MIAB highlighted what they regarded as a possible imbalance in the operation of that existing law and have called for action by the new Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority (IFSRA) as detailed in this extract from Recommendation number 23:

That IFSRA set rules for insurers to implement in concrete terms the duty of utmost good faith as it applies to insurers, as a corollary to the consumer’s duty of utmost good faith, to redress the imbalance in bargaining power between insured and insurer …

So what do you do if Recommendation 11 applies to you?

As in all such situations, the first task is to prove your case.

The MIAB will be reviewing the implementation by insurers of the recommendations addressed to companies and will seek more stringent measures if there is evidence of non-compliance. It should also be mentioned that the Equal Status act 2000 applies to insurance as well as other goods and services. The Equality Authority investigates complaints under that legislation and they are based at Clonmel St, Dublin 2. Tel: 01 417 3333 or 1890 245 545.

Dorothea Dowling—Chairperson MIAB

(With thanks to Frank Prenton Jones who obtained this article from Ms. Dowling for the newsletter)

Have you seen our Posters in your lo-cal Health Centre ...?

During the past year, we have distributed our new Poster throughout Ireland. Both the design and distri-bution of the Poster entailed a great deal of work and expense on our behalf. The Poster should now be dis-played in the Out Patient and Physio Departments of all General Hospitals, all main Health Centres, all main Public Libraries, all Citizens Information Centres, and all GPs and Physios should have received a copy through their newsletters. Should you be visiting any of the above locations and you don’t see our poster dis-played, ask: If they received it? - Why is it not dis-played? Let our office know the location and we will send them out another poster. Thanks. Jim

Information on the Late Effects of Polio:

Reprinted with kind permission of GINI (Gazette International Networking Institute) USA.

For Polio Survivors

Do you know that there are 12-20 million other individuals who had polio living in the world? Although some people think “polio does not exist anymore,” even today the poliovirus is causing poliomyelitis in under-vaccinated children. You may live in a country that is still trying to eradicate the poliovirus and where there are barriers to education, employment, and healthcare for survivors. Or, you may live where cases of acute polio no longer occur, but where you have to challenge the status quo that excludes people with disabilities from full participation in life. In either case, for you, polio still exists.

There are long-term physical consequences to having had poliomyelitis. New symptoms recognized by the medical community that may relate to prior polio include unaccustomed fatigue – either rapid muscle tiring or feeling of total body exhaustion; new weakness in muscles, both those originally affected and those seemingly unaffected; pain in muscles and/or joints; sleeping problems; breathing or swallowing problems; and/or decreased ability to tolerate cold temperatures.

Any combination of the symptoms may affect your ability to conduct customary daily activities such as climbing stairs, walking, lifting, etc.

Recommended Actions

Obtain a complete general medical evaluation from your primary care physician. Any medical problems found in the evaluation should be treated and monitored.

If your symptoms persist, seek a neuromuscular examination from a specialist in post-polio problems, typically a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist (physiatrist) or a neurologist. The purpose of this examination is to determine what the problem is and to establish a baseline from which to judge future changes, to evaluate and update your mobility aids and/or your ventilatory equipment, and to develop an individualized management plan.

Do not attempt to diagnose yourself. Post-polio syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion and it is important to rule out (or treat) conditions with similar symptoms that may be causing distress.

Although research has not yet identified a medication that stops or delays the weakening of muscles, the symptoms can be managed. Seek medical advice and use recommended mobility aids and ventilatory equipment. Listen to your body and follow common sense guidelines that include avoiding activities that cause pain and/or fatigue that lasts more than ten minutes. Pace yourself in your daily activities, routinely stopping to rest for 15 to 30 minutes several times a day.

Consider joining a support group that espouses self-help and encourages group participation and positive action, or consider seeking individual and/or family counseling to assist in making needed lifestyle changes.

Maintaining health is essential for those with a compromised neuromuscular system. Heed general advice about eating well, getting the proper amount of sleep, avoiding unhealthy habits such as smoking and overeating, and exercising appropriately. Many symptoms result from the overuse and misuse of muscles and joints. Carefully consider which muscles to exercise and how often.

Educate yourself and your loved ones about post-polio problems and treatment approaches. Cultivate a team of traditional and, when appropriate, complementary health professionals, collaborating with them as you strive for health and independence.

For Families and Friends

The experience of having had poliomyelitis (infantile paralysis) is a very personal one. Having the acute illness can result in no hospitalization to isolation and months, even years, of rehabilitation. Memories of polio vary as well. Survivors who had polio as children may have no conscious memory of the illness or subsequent rehabilitation, whereas some survivors vividly remember the pain and paralysis of the acute infection and their medical treatments. The care differs from country to country, from decade to decade, and from rural communities to cities.

Poliomyelitis is caused by any of three serotypes of poliovirus. The major illness types include nonparalytic and paralytic poliomyelitis. The poliovirus damages motor nerve cells and, consequently, the muscles instructed by those nerves are temporarily or permanently paralyzed. Acute polio does not infect sensory nerves, so sensation is not affected. Paralytic poliomyelitis can be classified as spinal, bulbar, or spino-bulbar. Bulbar is the most serious form of polio and involves the part of the brain dealing with the vital functions of respiration and swallowing.

The new problems facing your loved one are not caused primarily by the poliovirus, but are problems secondary to having polio. Polio Survivors experiencing new symptoms have not been reinfected nor are they contagious. They need your understanding and support.

International Polio Network recommends that all Polio Survivors have yearly medical examinations and that those who are experiencing any of the persistent new symptoms of weakness, pain, fatigue, and breathing problems obtain a comprehensive neuromuscular examination. Some survivors are reluctant to seek medical attention. Reasons for avoiding a physician can include early memories of polio, a recent visit that was not helpful, belief that no physician today understands the late effects of polio, or an inaccessible office or examination table. Your role as a family member may be to encourage an evaluation and to assist in implementing the treatment plan.

Polio Survivors do not experience new problems in isolation. What affects them can affect you. You will be addressing, possibly for the first time, many issues – selecting specialized health professionals and new equipment; learning about access and disability laws; making choices in how to spend time, energy, and financial resources. Additionally, long-standing roles may by necessity be challenged or changed.

Understanding and accepting all of the ramifications of the late effects of polio is not easy. No one can predict the future, but it is recommended that you and the polio survivor in your life attempt to approach the concerns as a team that includes health professionals.

Polio Survivors can have feelings of guilt about being “a burden.” Or, they may feel sadness for “the way things were.” You may feel resentful of your new responsibilities. It is recommended that you address these issues as they arise. Everyone has different skills, methods, and preferences in solving problems. Ascertaining and utilizing these skills can be very beneficial to maintaining a healthy relationship. Many relationships have benefited from an association with a support or self-help group or from family counseling. Educating yourself about the many facets of the late effects of polio is the first step in determining your role in a management plan grounded in the commitment of your loved one to make lifestyle changes.

For Health Professionals

Survivors of polio may seek your medical advice for new weakness, overwhelming fatigue, and/or pain. Some patients may describe these symptoms and “forget” to tell you they had polio. This triad of symptoms is typically presented at least fifteen years after the acute case of poliomyelitis, as the North American, Western European, and Australasian experience documents. Individuals, now in their seventh or eighth decade, are facing a combination of new polio problems and aging. Because poliomyelitis has not yet been eradicated from the world, survivors will be seeking assistance for years to come.

As early as 1875, Raymond and Charcot described a polio patient who reported new weakness and atrophy in his right arm – the arm he used excessively due to residual weakness in his left arm. As survivors from the 1950s epidemics sought medical assistance for “tiring more easily,” researchers explored these new complaints and, over the years, have developed the following criteria for post-polio syndrome:*

Prior paralytic poliomyelitis with evidence of motor neuron loss, as confirmed by history of acute paralytic illness, signs of residual weakness and atrophy of muscles on neurologic examination, and signs of denervation on electromyography (EMG).

A period of partial or complete functional recovery after acute paralytic poliomyelitis, followed by an interval (usually 15 years or more) of stable neurologic function.

Gradual or sudden onset of progressive and persistent new muscle weakness or abnormal muscle fatiguability (decreased endurance), with or without generalized fatigue, muscle atrophy, or muscle and joint pain. (Sudden onset may follow a period of inactivity, or trauma or surgery.) Less commonly, symptoms attributed to post-polio syndrome include new problems with breathing or swallowing.

Symptoms persist for at least a year.

Exclusion of other neurologic, medical, and orthopedic problems as causes of the symptoms.

It is important to note that there are consequences to having had polio that may not fit the criteria. Polio Survivors who visit your office may be reporting a variety of neurologic, orthopedic, medical, musculoskeletal, emotional, and rehabilitation complaints, all of which need to be methodically addressed and not dismissed simply as signs of aging.

International Polio Network recommends that all Polio Survivors receive consistent, basic medical evaluations. If a patient’s symptoms are not explained and alleviated by general medical approaches and the symptoms persist or worsen, a referral is in order. A physiatrist or neurologist can conduct a neuromuscular evaluation to establish a diagnosis and to recommend a management plan that will be sent to you and your patient.

GENERAL READING

Jubelt, B., & Agre, J.C. (2000). Characteristics and management of postpolio syndrome. Journal of the American Medical Association, 284, 412-414.

Maynard, F.M., & Headley, J.H. (Eds.) (1999). Handbook on the Late Effects of Poliomyelitis for Physicians and Survivors. Saint Louis, MO: Gazette International Networking Institute. (www.post-polio.org/ipn/hndbk99.html)

*March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation. (1999). Identifying Best Practices in Diagnosis & Care. Warm Springs, GA: March of Dimes International Conference on Post-Polio Syndrome. (www.modimes.org)

News Roundup ...

Western and North Western Region:

Members in Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal will have by now, received a letter asking them to complete and return a form to Head Office if they would be interested in attending a Stress Management Week-end, which will be held in Cuisle, Dunamon, Co Roscommon, on 11/12/13 April 2003.

This week-end will be held along the same lines as the week-end held in Cork in September, with talks from an Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist, as well as Stress Management Techniques from Psychotherapist Breda Fadden from Galway. Of course the week-end will include time for chat and sharing ideas and tips, and we hope that members in these areas will come and enjoy a week-end of relaxation and information. Unfortunately, places are limited to the first 30 members who apply. Spouses/partners/carers are also welcome. The cost of the week-end is €65 per person, including full board and all activities. This week-end has been part-funded by the NWHB, the WHB, and the Post Polio Support Group.

Extract from The Irish Emigrant, 18 Nov.2002:

A taxi-driver was fined €250 when he was convicted of refusing to take a wheelchair passenger in his cab. Do any of our members have difficulties when getting a taxi? Please let us know, and we will publish in the next newsletter - Editor.

Northern Ireland Polio Fellowship:

The NIPF is organising a conference on March 11th 2003. Speakers will include Dr. Orla Hardiman of Beaumont hospital, and Dr. Whitely from the UK. They are also hoping that Dr. Richard Bruno (Author of The Polio Paradox) will be able to attend. More information on this in the next newsletter.

Thanks for the request!

Joan our Secretary, wishes to thank the person from Crumlin who had a request played for her recently on local radio.

Clarification of Research Phone Call:

Thank you to all who agreed to take part in a phone call research (form with last newsletter). We wish to clarify that agreeing to take part in this phone call research, does not involve you in any other part of the research.

New Disability Website up and running:

This site, www.disability.ie, is an on-line information service primarily for people with disabilities, but also relevant to various groups and individuals with an interest in disability. For further information contact Cathriona Tumelty - Disability Information Ireland at 01 601 6344.

Survey Update:

By now, most of you who have agreed to take part in our Survey, will have had a visit from an Occupational Therapist. Most members have found this a very positive experience, with the OT being very helpful and interested. The questions are indeed detailed and the information gathered will give us a concrete knowledge of our members’ needs over the next few years, so that we can speak from a position of knowledge when it comes to lobbying the Minister for health on behalf of our members. We hope to have a report on the Survey ready by our 2003 AGM

Christmas Shopping with ease!

Recently, I went shopping at Liffey Valley Shopping Centre, and was absolutely delighted with the service provided for people with disabilities from Shopmobility. There was a whole bank of disabled parking bays (just follow the signs), and the helpful assistant in the Shopmobility Centre gave me forms to fill out (he said that this was only a once-off thing - and he gave me a membership card for use the next time). Then, with some basic instruction, off I went in a nifty little electric buggy, and did my shopping in comfort. I would recommend it for your Christmas shopping - definitely.—Editor

By the way - a reminder to all members of the Disabled Drivers Association; don’t forget to send back your tickets for the Christmas Draw which will take place on December 22nd with lots of great prizes!

A Handy Gadget:

There is a great gadget for anyone who has difficulty in using a pepper or salt mill—you know the scene, where you have to hold the pepper mill with one hand and twist it with the other, while at the same time making sure it is held over the food being seasoned! This gadget is a one-handed mill, with both salt and pepper in the one container. This can be obtained by mail order over the internet from www.lakeland.com

Our Website:

Just a reminder to look at our website at www;ppsg.ie from time to time - to keep you up to date with Post Polio Support Group latest news. There is also a page on the site with lots of interesting links to other Polio Organisations worldwide.

Letters to the Editor ...

Dear Paula

Three years ago we had our first get-together at St. Dominic’s Centre, Cork, which turned out to be an invaluablePhoto of A happy group of members taking a break at the Cork Stress Management week-end experience. Everyone enjoyed it so much it was decided to make it an annual event. A happy group of members taking a break at the Cork Stress Management week-end.

With Maureen at the helm, she was busy preparing an interesting agenda to have a wide variety of items for everyone, i.e. relaxation, aids & appliances, aromatherapy, reflexology, plus updating any information available.

On arrival everyone is greeted with a cheerful welcome. Our venue, St. Dominic’s, is ideal, being convenient for all transport. One could only describe St. Dominic’s as a bit of “Heaven on Earth.” The building is full of character, beautifully situated overlooking the River Lee, and adapted to meet everyone’s needs.

The peace and tranquillity experienced in many a stroll around the exotic gardens would be difficult to put into words, not forgetting all the tips from the wonderful gardener. The staff is excellent, cheerful and ready to assist whenever needed.

We have renewed old friendships and made a lot of new friends and we look forward to meeting each year, where we never seem to have a dull moment. Most importantly, we share a common bond in being Polio Survivors.

I’m certain there are many similar venues throughout the country where members could enjoy meeting annually and share their views and experiences. In addition to meeting at our AGM the awareness weekend gives us quality time together.

Happy Christmas and a great New Year to all Post Polio Support Group and members.

Peggy Brennan

When is a duck a goose …?

From all accounts, there has been much controversy in connection with our Christmas Card, with the pictured of a “feathered friend” on it! Someone called it a Duck when designing the Christmas Card Order Form, but of course it was a Christmas Goose. With apologies to the Artist, who has taken it all in good humour! Joan says that she will arrange for an agricultural advisor to come and give us a lecture on “When is a Duck not a Duck?” We know the answer now. “When it is a Goose, of course!” Anyway, the good news is that with all the talk about it, the infamous Goose has been a firm favourite on the Christmas Card list. - Editor

Ted’s Electric LegsImage of a cartoon duck

Legs that ever did so much,
giving pleasure with a touch
of gaiety, as circus clown.

Now resigned to staying still.
Unable anymore to thrill
childish hearts or worried minds.

Polio, and cancer now
served to make them stop and bow
to the stark reality.

Through the morphia it came,
a vision sweet, an active dream.
He had electric legs, he said.

Walked, he said, and even climbed.
Better legs one could not find
to carried one up and away.

Electric legs, the stuff of faith,
to carry through the vale of death
to God, who died to set them free.

May they walk and climb all day
in the land of no decay
where no pain or weakness dwells.

Joan Bradley

We have learned with sadness of the death of three of our members—Declan Brosnan, Ted Greening and Ann Beckett, and extend our sympathy to all who knew them. Joan Bradley

DISCLAIMER:

Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the Editor and the Board can accept no liability. The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily their views.

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.

 

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