Dystonia Clinic at Walkergate Park Hospital

Hello my name is Theresa.  I  have been receiving treatment for about 16 years originally at Hunters Moor , now like a number of you I attend the outpatients Dystonia clinic at Walkergate Park.

Because of my concerns as to the running of the clinic (through no fault of the front line staff I hasten to add) I joined the Service User Forum, as they appear to have close links with management and meet regularly with WGP Service Leads to ensure that quality is maintained (even in times of decreasing budgets).  Although the Forum were aware that there had been some difficulties with appointments they were not aware of it being an on-going problem nor were they aware of the changes being proposed as a cost saving exercise, the possible loss of home visits or that an experienced practitioner was leaving which left a number of us wondering how, where and when would we get our much needed treatment.

I was surprised to find that there are only a couple of people who attend the Dystonia clinic are on the Forum and would like to suggest that you consider in joining as a way of learning more of what goes on within Walkergate Park. This is also a way to back up to the work that ADDER has undertaken to ensure that the clinic continues to meet  the needs of those who receive treatment and hopefully does not become a casualty of any budget cuts which could affect the treatment we need.

In the short time I have been a member I have found the Forum both interesting and informative a little example is did you know that there is a lounge which can be used where you, a relative or carer can sit to watch TV while waiting to be picked up, and  the Forum are at present carrying out a survey in the Out Patients departments on the efficiency of the Ambulance service.  I feel the results of this survey will be very useful especially with the possibility of home visits being postponed or indeed stopped altogether.

The Forum represents the views of service users and carers and is free to join, they meet every 2 months on a Tuesday 11am till 1pm and all members are welcome.  However it is not essential attend as minutes or a half yearly summary update can be forwarded via email or post as per instructions.  If you want to know more please contact Christine Lumsdon (secretary) on 0191 2665796 or email gclumsdon116@btinternet.com.  Or myself on tnixon57@hotmail.co.uk .

I also realise that not all of you will attend Walkergate Park Hospital, if you are interested in taking part in something like this Forum contact your own hospital/clinic and see if they have something similar.