NAC Health & Wellbeing Committee Highlights: Latest Updates
An update on all projects that the committee has been actively involved in last quarter
Carolyn Desforges - NAC Co-chair of the Health and Wellbeing Committee
Scottish government response
It’s been a busy summer responding to Scottish government consultations. In May, Helen Shore was involved in supporting a Trust response to the Scottish consultation on community equipment and housing adaptations and more recently, the National Care Service consultation on the introduction of a National Care Service (Scotland) Bill going to the Scottish Parliament. In August/September, Helen myself and five Scottish beneficiaries contributed their ideas on the Scottish government consultation on a future Mental Health Strategy for Scotland. This was completed through Meetup zoom, email and 1:1 calls - some doing all three!
Thank you so much to everyone who participated. Should anyone wish to see a copy of the response, please do contact [email protected].
Health information for beneficiaries
Helen, in her role as website liaison for the NAC, has reviewed articles on 'Managing your weight for a healthier lifestyle'.
She has also contributed to the Private Referral Scheme factsheet.
Along with volunteers, we have taken part in a focus group to make the Emergency Card, (developed specifically for beneficiaries to let medical staff know about your thalidomide damage and medical conditions in the event of an emergency) more user-friendly.
Read more information about the Emergency Card
New health webinar details
Coming up on Thursday 17 November at 2.30pm, is the next interactive health webinar looking at staying safe over Christmas and New Year. Alcohol is a way of life for many of us, but is there a way to stay healthy and drink the right amount? Come along and find out how to drink in a way that is not going to hurt your body or your mind.
Joining details can be found on the Meetup platform or contact the Trust for further details.
Cardiovascular research continues
Finally, a reminder! The cardiovascular risk research is still ongoing - If you know that you are likely to be having surgery in the next 12 months, you could participate in this Trust research on cardiovascular risk among thalidomide affected people.
The research only involves the collection of blood pressure data while you are anaesthetised on the operating table. It doesn't require you to do anything, other than give consent to your data being collected. Afterwards, you will receive a personal report about your blood pressure from the Consultant Anaesthetist leading the research.
Please do let the Health & Wellbeing team know about any upcoming surgery, so that they can tell you more about this important research. You can email [email protected] or call 01480 474074.
Read more from the NAC in the full Autumn 2022 Newsletter (PDF)
