BSR UPDATE

[barkingmad]

Hi here is a very brief update from mine and Abi's visit to the BSR...more info will be in the newsletter.

Last afternoon Abi and I attended the Special Interest Group on HMS. Prof Bird and Prof Grahame chaired the session, which included presentations;
using information from the PES that members/non-members responded to by Dr Hakim,
by Dr Cohen on HMS and Rehab,
by Rosemary Keer on Physio and HMS,
and lastly a presentation by Dr Clare W on Psychology and HMS.

All the presentations were interesting to listen to and there was an oppoprtunity for questions. During the questions Dr Hakim kindly mentioned that our forum was well moderated to ensure safe and responsible information only was passed on. I know that you guys often think that we are too strict but I also know that many of you have a lot of respect for Dr Hakim and I hope that you find his view of the forum positive and it helps you to understand why the mods work so hard to ensure the forum is a safe place to share good quality information and all of your experiences.

The debate which kicked off the conference into 'HMS. Is it over-medicalised?' was also well attended. All viewpoints were interesting and both sides raised very valid points which probably do need further consideration. Again this will be covered in more depth in the newsletters.

Whilst up in Glasgow we did visit the Long Term Conditions Alliance in Scotland. We did so to improve the contact we have with our umbrella organisation and also as we are looking to expand the work we do in Scotland in raising awareness of HMS. We also had the opportunity to meet up with Prof Ferrell, Medical Advisor to the HMSA who is based in Glasgow. We will keep you updated with regards to the work in Scotland through our Scottish Group Coordinator ( Lindsey), our Scottish group leaders and also our work with LTCAS. LTCAS has its own thread on the forum. We would like to reassure all the Scottish members that we are not 'pulling out' of Scotland and there is no funding issue. There have been some rumours being circulated that appear to be saying this. Please contact Donna, Lindsey or Abi if you have any concerns.

The charity has been re-structuring the local group network throughout the UK to make it more effective and we will continue to support Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland as we currently do.

[Mooncat]

Hi Donna,

This is really excellent news and I look forward to hearing more about it in the Newsletter!

Isobel Knight