LATE EFFECTS OF POLIO CLINICAL PRACTISE WORKSHOPS
Following is the draft proposal for a series of Polio Clinical Practice Workshops throughout Rotary District 9685 – as presented to the District Presidents’ meeting on Saturday.
The proposal was well received by Presidents and will now be further discussed by clubs in association with their Assistant Governors, before reporting back to District Governor Gina Growden who is seeking District support for the program.
Venues and dates of the final Workshop program are being developed by Polio Australia in association with our District Polio team, and will be advised as soon as possible.
During the last two years, the RI Communications Committee has been grappling with the challenge of effective management of the end of Polio, ie: to communicate effectively with communities, special considerations that need to be in place, recording history accurately to ensure due acknowledgement of Rotary’s contribution, fair and reasonable coverage by the world media … to list just a few of the considerations …
Early is these discussions, the topic of Post Polio Syndrome/Late Effects of Polio was raised and it was obvious the question of treatment of polio survivors in their senior years had been completely overlooked.
As always, District 9685 has identified this special challenge and is leading from the front. Under the leadership of Governor Gina Growden, several District leaders recently met with the executive of Polio Australia to rectify the situation.
Polio Australia recognised the oversight some time ago and recently held a pilot clinical practise workshop in Melbourne to assist with the education of health professionals. Their executive team has also developed splendid educational reference material which they are keen to circulate amongst health professionals.
To this end, District 9685 has the opportunity to be part of Polio history and launch the first pilot program of Workshops across our entire District – from Katoomba in the west to Gosford on the Central Coast.
Governor Gina and her leadership team is proposing to partner Polio Australia in the pilot program with a view to then taking the Workshops to every District in Australia and New Zealand, prior to offering the educational resource internationally.
The following program is suggested for discussion:
1. GOSFORD: Weekday – 1 pm to 4 pm – November.
2. BROOKVALE: Weekday – 1 pm to 4 pm – November.
3. KATOOMBA: Weekday – 1 pm to 4 pm – December.
4. NORTH SYDNEY: Weekday evening – 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm – February.
5. TUMBI UMBI: Saturday – 9.30 am to 12.30 pm – February.
6. PITTWATER: Saturday – 9.30 am to 12.30 pm – March.
7. PENRITH: Weekday evening – 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm – March.
8. HORNSBY: Weekday – 1 pm to 4 pm – March.
9. WINDSOR: Saturday – 9.30 am to 12.30 pm - April.
10. RYDE: Weekday – 1 pm to 4 pm – April.
2. BROOKVALE: Weekday – 1 pm to 4 pm – November.
3. KATOOMBA: Weekday – 1 pm to 4 pm – December.
4. NORTH SYDNEY: Weekday evening – 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm – February.
5. TUMBI UMBI: Saturday – 9.30 am to 12.30 pm – February.
6. PITTWATER: Saturday – 9.30 am to 12.30 pm – March.
7. PENRITH: Weekday evening – 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm – March.
8. HORNSBY: Weekday – 1 pm to 4 pm – March.
9. WINDSOR: Saturday – 9.30 am to 12.30 pm - April.
10. RYDE: Weekday – 1 pm to 4 pm – April.
This suggested program is spread over six months due to the shortage of qualified peer educators. Plans are in hand to identify and train additional facilitators which will be important if Rotary and Polio Australia are to take the Workshops around Australia and New Zealand.
Polio Australia has kindly offered to take charge of all Workshop administration, including contact with health professionals, supply of literature, and provision of instructors. It is most important to underline the point that these sessions are being facilitated by health professionals for health professionals.
However, there is a splendid public relations/membership opportunity here for all clubs in our District.
Governor Gina invites clubs to work with their Assistant Governors in various cluster groups to arrange the mechanics of each workshop, ie: venue, transport, light refreshments, etc.
There will be costs involved and Governor Gina requests District 9685 clubs to support this history making project with a cash donation of $250 each. Such a donation will provide sufficient funds to transport instructors and provide a Polio Australia manual for each participant.
All of the above is the first draft plans for this ambitious program and is open for constructive discussion and amendment where necessary.
Polio Australia is delighted to have Rotary’s involvement and support – given our commitment to the Polio Eradication Program since 1985!