Members of the Nerve Centre committee heard yesterday from the Highland Acute Hospitals NHS Trust chief executive Richard Carey that the new state-of-the-art MRI scanner housed at Raigmore Hospital will be up and running in January 2003.  This expensive but invaluable diagnostic tool will be a great benefit to people with a variety of neurological conditions, as well of course as being key to diagnosing other conditions including cancer.   Having an MRI scanner should make long trips to Aberdeen a thing of the past for people in the far north.

Richard Carey, chief executive of the Highland Acute Hospitals NHS Trust has declared the Nerve Centre "an excellent facility" during his visit to the Centre on Monday 18 November.

Mr Carey kindly took time out during a visit north to see first hand the facilities on offer and to hear about the work of the Group and its aims for the community.  He undertook to find out from his colleagues in Aberdeen exactly when the new neurology clinics in Wick would be starting and we will let you know when we hear more.  He was interested to hear about the case which has already been made for a neurological nurse/practitioner for Caithness and agreed it made sense to "complete the circle" of care, subject to funding such a post.

The Dyspraxia Foundation have just re-launched their website which now houses most of their printed information for parents and professionals and for those who have dyspraxia.  The site also has news updates, including a possible voice at Westminster for dyspraxia.  

The growing Wick drop-in centre is holding a Christmas party for anyone with a condition such as MS, Parkinson's, stroke, Huntington's, epilepsy or any other neurological condition, as well as carers.  If you would like to join them in this festive celebration, from 2 - 4pm on Wednesday 18 December, let us know and we'll pass on your details to Della Smith the Group's leader.  Transport will be available, including from Thurso or outlying districts, so don't delay, phone us today!

Highland Health Council wants to hear your health priorities  Back to top

We have been asked by our Nerve Centre committee representative, herself a Highland Health Councillor, to ensure we ask people to complete the forms which appeared in the local press about feedback from the Caithness Voices consultation in Caithness.

If you have not already completed a form, and would like to highlight your views on the identified priorities, or feel that other priorities have been ignored, make sure you call into the Nerve Centre and fill out one of the forms without delay.  We can send you out a copy if you prefer.  Forms have to be in by the end of November.

Important issues of Accident & Emergency provision, dental provision and lack of GP's in Caithness are clearly emerging as top of the list, but you may feel for example that neurological services, or suitable respite for young people with chronic conditions are being ignored.  If there is any issue about which you feel your voice is not being heard, now's your chance so don't miss it!

The next committee meeting is on Tuesday 12 November at 7pm in the Nerve Centre.  All committee members are invited to attend.  If you are interested in becoming more involved in the Nerve Centre and feel you have something to contribute, we'll be delighted to hear from you!

In response to criticism over lack of communication following the recent closure of the A & E department at Dunbar Hospital, Highland Primary Care NHS Trust have today taken out a half page notice in the John O Groat Journal. This outlines the steps they have taken to address two key local issues, A&E cover at Dunbar Hospital and NHS dentistry in Caithness.  For the full text, click here.

On the first issue, the Trust have said the next stage is "to provide detailed information of the process to date, to redesign the service, for the general public. There will be a meeting held to do this on Saturday 16 November 2002 from 10am at the All Star Factory, Ormlie Road Thurso.  As places are limited please contact Lyn Morrison at Caithness General Hospital in Wick, Telephone 01955 880212 to book your place."

09/10/2002
Contact: info@neurologicalalliance.org.uk 

The website is designed to be highlight the work of the Neurological Alliance. It will help raise awareness through the internet of neurological conditions and their impact on individuals, their families, carers and society.

The Neurological Alliance unites charities working to improve the quality of life of all those in the UK living with a neurological condition.

Nikki Joule, Policy Officer Neurological Alliance said: “The launch of a new website is extremely exciting. It was time we were able to promote our work using the Internet. The site will hopefully reach a wide range of web users that have an interest in neurological.”

The site contains: Details of organisations that can offer help and assistance to people with a neurological condition, their family’s and carers. Literature and information about neurological conditions. A press area containing the latest news and releases from the Neurological Alliance. A discussion board where people can highlight about the issues that concern them

“ Its great to get on-line. Now people surfing the World Wide Web can access the information we provide. This discussion board also allows them the opportunity to discus issues that they think are relevant. This in turn will help us be more responsive and provide a better service.”

The Nerve Centre has a link within the new website.

Highlands Acute Hospitals NHS Trust Chief Executive to visit Nerve Centre  Back to top

NHS Acute Hospitals Trust Chief Executive Richard Carey is set to visit the Nerve Centre on Monday 18 November during a trip north for a meeting in Wick.  This welcome visit is being made following an open invitation by the Nerve Centre committee for Mr Carey to see first hand the facilities on offer.  Watch this space for feedback.

National Tremor Foundation Website  Back to top

This very useful and much needed website has information on tremor of all origins.  It has sections on treatment, support and interesting articles on this often debilitating condition.  Worth a visit.

New employment rights for parents from 6 April 2003  Back to top

If you are a parent of a child under 6 or a disabled child under 18 then from 6 April 2003 you will have the right to request to work flexibly.  Your employer will have a statutory duty to consider these requests seriously.

Tax boost for disabled employees  Back to top

Employees with a disability who receive special equipment to carry out their jobs are now fully exempt from paying tax on it, even if it is used outside work.  In the past, if an employer helped to pay for equipment or services which were also used at home, there would have been the possibility of a tax charge on them.  This would have applied, for example, to non-NHS hearing aids or specially adapted wheelchairs.  Now the rules have been changed so that these items have become fully tax exempt.

Thanks to Moray Firth Radio Charity Trust for £200 donation to Nerve Centre   Back to top

This summer has been our lucky time!  Another £200 has winged its way to us, this time from Moray Firth Radio's Charity Trust.  This is the second successful application to the Trust, having already received £200 two years ago.  We are most grateful for this donation and intend to invest in a stereo unit with the money, with the remainder going towards a video/DVD unit to be purchased with the UKAEA's donation.

Thanks to UKAEA for £200 Donation to Nerve Centre  Back to top

We are most grateful to the UKAEA at Dounreay for sending us a generous cheque for £200 towards the cost of equipment for the Nerve Centre (see above). This followed an appeal by us to help with the many costs we have still to cover for items needed.  This will be followed by some local press coverage of their donation.

REMAP, Caithness and Sutherland Panel have contributed the following article:  Back to top

"REMAP is a national charity to which REMAP (Scotland) is affiliated, and is divided into local panels of which Caithness & Sutherland is one.  The panels consist of retired engineers, most of whom are chartered, and in most panels also with members drawn from the Occupational and Physiotherapy professions.

The members give their time and expertise free of charge to design and make mechanical devices on an individual basis to provide assistance that is not commercially available or affordable.  The Caithness and Sutherland panel is also fortunate to have at its disposal workshop facilities that can provide rapid response to referrals."

If you are resident in Caithness or Sutherland and think REMAP could help you with a difficulty you are experiencing, you can contact either 

Future Plans for Nerve Centre  Back to top

At our recent Committee meeting we discussed how the Centre might develop in the near future.  Among the plans are to introduce "tasters" of therapeutic massage, craft activities, a healthy eating day, awareness days for different neurological conditions, "health fairs" in conjunction with other support groups and having a "leaflet drop" around the area.  We will keep you posted about all these plans as they develop.

Scottish Epilepsy Group changes its name Back to top

Epilepsy Scotland has announced a name change, to avoid confusion with the British Epilepsy Association, a  UK wide charity which recently changed its working name to Epilepsy Action.  The two bodies are quite distinct and Epilepsy Scotland say they hope Scotland will continue to support them in their valuable work.  Both sites contain useful information and links.

The British Epilepsy Association's new working name and logo.............................

Caithness Access Panel set up  Back to top

What is an access panel?  Something they hide switches behind at Dounreay?  A place only Commander Data could reach in the Star Ship Enterprise?  

No, it's a body made up of representatives of local community groups and the Highland Council Planning & Building Control Manager who will be considering the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act which will come into force in 2004.  These state that all public buildings and businesses must make reasonable changes to accommodate people with all types of disability. Access Panels have been set up around the UK to consider issues arising from the DDA 2004.

The panel's steering group met in Wick on 12 September and will be meeting again on Tuesday 15 October at 7pm in Mackay's Hotel, Wick.  The September meeting agreed the following:

• The Planning and Building Control Manager and his staff will provide a support service to the Panel

• The Panel will be a committee of the Caithness Community Care Forum

• Three people, including the Chairman of the Neurological Group, will be members of the Panel and the support committee will recruit further members from appropriate local groups

• An architect will be approached to assist the panel

More news will be fed in from the Access Panel as it develops.

Nominations sought for Caithness Civic Awards 2002  Back to top

Nomination forms are now available from Thurso or Wick Council Service Points for the above awards which were launched on Tuesday 2 October.  If there is someone in the community whom you feel deserves an award (and there are no criteria so you can decide for yourself), then all you have to do is ask for a form and return it no later than 4pm on Thursday 31 October 2002 to Brian M Whitelaw, Caithness Area Manager, The Highland Council, Market Square, Wick.  You should mark your envelope "Confidential". 

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Tuesday 1 October 7pm  Back to top

Read about some of the topics raised at the AGM and see more photographs of the gathering.

Highland Council Travel Card  Back to top

Highland Council has surpassed itself with its new free travel card for over 60-ish people, disabled and those not allowed to drive for medical reasons.  See the link for further details and to find out how you can apply.

Caithness Disabled Swimming Club  Back to top

The weekly meetings of Caithness' Disabled Swimming Club restart on Wednesday 18 September at 6pm in Thurso Swimming Pool, Thurso.  All newcomers welcome.  

PRESS STATEMENT  Back to top

Issue Date: 10 September, 2002

Changing attitudes

Although Highland Health Council aim to publish the results of these events as soon as possible it’s not too late to have your say. You can still put your point across by calling us or asking for a form to record your views on health service needs in the area. Please contact Highland Health Council, Freephone 0800 834017 or Freepost SCO2643, Inverness, IV3 8BR.

Support Thurso Rotary's Community Fund Draw  Back to top

As you may already know from local press, Thurso Rotary Club has ambitious plans to provide better wheelchair access to the Mall area of the riverside in Thurso.  Thurso Rotary are excellent at providing funding to groups like ours, but this project is particularly pleasing as it is not just handing money out to people, but achieving real visible improvements in the community and for the community.

We therefore would ask you to consider signing up to the Rotary's Community Fund Draw costing only £1 per week, (or £4.33 per month, or £13 quarterly).  Prizes are drawn every month and you could win up to £300.  There is also an annual large draw where you could win £1000.  The first annual draw was today, 4 July.  The Club is now looking to recruit more members.   If you think you can afford to help the Club achieve its target then why not pop into D.Sinclair & Co, Traill Street, Thurso or give Donald Sinclair a call at home on 01847 892427 and he will provide you with the simple but necessary paperwork to complete.

Thurso Rotary Club have been among the many generous donors to the Nerve Centre and we wish them every success with this project.  They will shortly have their own website and we will provide a link once it is up and running so you can check progress.

Changes to Summer Opening Hours  Back to top

We are changing, temporarily, the opening hours of our Centre with effect from this week.  Holiday and other commitments mean many of our volunteers are not available to provide as many hours cover as usual.  Until further notice the Nerve Centre will therefore open as follows:

Monday, Tuesday and Saturday   Open 10-12 noon

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday   Closed 

There is an answering machine for out of hours use, or you can find a lot of information here meantime.  Remember our Art Group starts on Thursday 8 August if you are looking for something new to try!

Visit to the Nerve Centre by Volunteer Development Scotland  Back to top

The Nerve Centre had a welcome on 28 June, when Michelle Manzie, Primary Care Development Officer for Volunteer Development Scotland (VDS) came to hear more about the project.   Michelle had kindly offered to come up to discuss ways in which the Centre might develop partnerships with the local healthcare bodies to further enhance its services to people with neurological conditions.  More on this as our plans take shape.  Meanwhile our thanks to Michelle for coming all the way from Stirling and for offering such positive encouragement and constructive suggestions.  

Other voluntary groups and those involved in primary care may be interested in VDS' Primary Care Volunteering Grants Fund.  Check out their website or contact them for more details on 01786 479593 (fax 01786 449285).

Scottish Alliance of Neurological Groups              Back to top

There is already a "UK" Neurological Alliance, but it tends to focus on England and the Health Authorities there.  But now, Scotland is getting in on the action with the formation of its own Scottish Alliance of Neurological Groups (SANG).  

Formed from representatives of Scottish Parkinson's Disease Society, Multiple Sclerosis Society Scotland, ME, Epilepsy Action Scotland and the Scottish Motor Neurone Disease Association, the Alliance is organising itself into a cohesive group ready to tackle nationally those issues common to all groups that support neurological illness.  

We are in close contact with members of the Scottish Alliance and hope to be involved in some way in its policy formulation and forward planning.  It is expected to cover the issues you will all be familiar with, such as access to neurological services, increasing the numbers of neurological nurse specialists, respite provision etc.  Further developments by the Scottish Alliance of Neurological Groups will be posted on this website.

Hector Polson's Bike Challenge Raises £4300!             Back to top

Local man Hector Polson's motorbike challenge round Scotland has raised the magnificent total of over £4300 to be shared between the local Stroke Group and Crossroads Care.  After a wet and tiring week, the marathon counting began, and organisers are delighted with the results.  More money is still to come in.  Hector's efforts are much appreciated by the local Stroke group.  Janice Falconer, the Stroke Group Co-ordinator, said "This is just magnificent, and a real credit to a 74 year old man with his 65 year old motorbike!  The money will be much appreciated and put to good use locally".   Thanks to all the many sponsors and helpers, as well as the team supporting Hector along the way.

MS Society Scotland Caithness Branch Halkirk Coffee Morning  Back to top

The Coffee Morning held in Halkirk in Gala Week raised the magnificent sum of £622.89, a tribute to all those who helped, baked, served and supported this event.  Thanks are owing to so many, but in particular the Halkirk Gala Committee, to George Manson and Wendy Sutherland.  The event was tremendously well supported and the local MS Branch are very grateful for the addition to their local funds.

Healthy Eating                                                                   Back to top          

Leaflets issued by the Highland Health Information and Resources Service in Inverness have now been received.  These cover a range of healthy living/eating topics, some of which are suitable for children.  It is important when living with a neurological condition to eat well (true of everyone!), so we have many useful leaflets on the subject to encourage us all to ensure we eat from all the ranges of food needed.  Drop in and we'll show you what's on offer.

Free Personal Care                                                                  Back to top

Members of the Nerve Centre Committee have attended a training and information session run by the Highland Council Social Work department to explain how the Scottish Parliament's "free personal care" will work in practice.  The leaflet handed out on the day is reproduced on the Highland Council website.  There is also a freephone helpline number you can call:  

Freephone 0800 214 708.  The helpline is available between 9.30a.m. and 4.30p.m. Monday to Friday.

Nerve Centre Take Two!!                                                       Back to top

We have found another "Nerve Centre", but this time in Australia!  It is a Centre funded by the Victoria branch of the national Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society of Australia, as well as by Government grant. The Centre helps people with all neurological conditions including MS.  

"The Nerve Centre is an outstanding example of corporate Victoria and the community working together with the Government to positively impact the disability and health system." according to the Australian Minister for Health. 

If there are any UK Ministers for Health out there who would like to set up something similar in the UK, we'd be delighted to hear from you!

Art Group up and running!                                           Back to top

The Nerve Centre is delighted to announce that a professional artist is taking an "Art group" on Thursdays from 1pm in the Centre, starting on 8 August.    The class  takes the form of weekly sessions on watercolour painting for beginners, and is open to people affected by a neurological condition or their carers. The materials will be provided, and all you have to bring is a sense of fun and a willingness to try!   Numbers in the class will be limited to around 6 initially although if there is more interest we will look at accommodating more people.   There is no cost to those taking part.

If you are interested or want to know more, call the Centre or e-mail us and we'll answer your questions.  This is an excellent way to try something new without the obligation to sign up for an expensive course.  

Caithness FM "Your local station...."                      Back to top

Caithness FM, the local radio station based in Thurso, are always on the look-out for new broadcasters.  The premises in Neil Gunn Drive have been brought up to standard and can now even accommodate someone using a wheelchair if needed.  If you would either be interested in volunteering e.g. to man reception, answer the phone or fancy trying your hand as a presenter/broadcaster then give them a call on 01847 890000 or try their website for further details.

Volunteers

Muscular Dystrophy Campaign receives local boost of £400.            

Crossroads Care Attendants Wick Office open               Back to top

From Tuesday 11 June Crossroads Care will open at Caithness Deaf Care in Wick on Tuesdays and Fridays between 2.00 and 4.00pm.          

RADAR Frequently Asked Questions links added      Back to top                    

New RADAR on-line holiday booking facility    Back to top 

Epilepsy publications have now arrived in the Nerve Centre.  Some of the order was out of stock but will be sent on soon. 

Aberdeen-based neurologists have agreed to hold clinics in Wick for the first time in response to a request by the Neurological Group put forward by George Bruce, Chairman of the Caithness and North Sutherland Health Forum. This week's meeting of the Forum heard that the service will not begin immediately but will happen within the next year.  This will mean people affected by neurological conditions will not have to make the journey to Inverness, where the current nearest neurology clinics are held.  There will still be a need for people to travel to Aberdeen where specialist equipment is needed for diagnostic purposes, but for regular clinics they will soon have only a relatively short journey.

This is excellent news for all those who perhaps do not ask to see a neurologist because of the thought of having to travel so far, and for those for whom travelling is a daunting prospect.  We hope people will now exercise their right to ask to see a specialist as there is much they can do to improve the lives of people affected by even the progressive neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease and MS. 

We are most grateful to the Caithness and North Sutherland Health Forum for raising the profile of this important issue

A framework of standards for those delivering neurological services has just been published.  Entitled "Levelling Up : Standards of Care for People Living With a Neurological Condition", and published by the Neurological Alliance, the document covers a wide range of neurological conditions including Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke and brain tumour.  "Levelling up" focuses on what patients need at every stage of their neurological condition from onset and diagnosis to long-term management.  

A copy of the report is on display in the Nerve Centre, but extra copies can be ordered by contacting The Neurological Alliance:

Tel: 020 7793 5907, Fax 020 7793 5939, e-mail neurological_alliance@hotmail.com Copies cost £5 for individuals and for members of the Neurological Alliance, and £12 for organisations.

Further details of groups giving grants for people affected by disability have been added to the Useful Links page.

Myasthenia Gravis Websites                                          Back to top

We received the following e-mail from a Scottish Myasthenia Gravis support network. 

"We have our own website for Myasthenics in Scotland and
find it useful to keep in contact with our members because of sheer
Geographical area we cover.  We have members in the Orkneys, down as far as
the borders.  If you like, I would be willing to post a link on this website
www.mgscotland.org.uk as well as another worldwide website
www.myasthenicmeetingplace.org.uk
both of which I am the webmaster.  A lot of the problems our members have to
deal with are much the same as your own and perhaps we could exchange
information now and again, we have for example a Welfare Rights Officer who
keeps our membership posted on any changes in Social Security Law and we are
also able to put people in touch with a Charitable Organisation based in
Edinburgh who will represent those members applying for the DLA and guide
them through the complexities of our wonderful Social Security System
If I can be of any further assistance please do not hesitate to get in
touch."

ARMS Therapy Centre Internet/Computer Access    Back to top

Donations by Caithness Craft Association

Cheques totalling £125 have been received from the Caithness Craft Association in the past week.  Today's Groat shows a photograph of Della Smith, Co-ordinator of the Wick Drop-in Centre, with members of the Craft Association, accepting the cheque for £100 towards the cost of the Wick centre.  A further cheque for £25 was accepted for the Thurso centre.  We are most grateful to the Craft Association for their generosity.

Co-Op Community Dividend Donation                         Back to top

Photograph of the recent Co-Op Members AGM where our Chairman Willie Sinclair (front) was presented with a plaque from Mrs C Thompson, Northern Area Community Dividend Co-ordinator.  Looking on are local Co-op store managers from Wick and Thurso.  The Co-Op Community Dividend fund kindly donated £1000 towards the cost of setting up the Nerve Centre.  Our grateful thanks go to them for their generosity.

Wick Drop-in Centre                                                    Back to top

We have been contacted by a lady based in Dingwall who would like to set up a Scottish support group for Benign Essential Tremor.  If you are affected by this condition or know someone who is, please contact us and we will pass your details on or let you contact her, whichever you prefer.  If you want to know a bit more about this condition there is an American site which is quite informative.